Smell and taste changes are common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Some women report strange metallic tastes or smelling obscure things like gasoline, rotting meat, ammonia, or fish. The cause isn’t completely understood, but shifting hormone levels, changes in metabolism, and rising pregnancy hormones likely play a role.
While smelly odors like fish aren’t pleasant, they are rarely cause for concern in an otherwise healthy pregnancy. However, a strong fishy smell accompanied by vaginal discharge, itching, or burning could signal a vaginal infection that requires medical care.
What causes fishy smells in early pregnancy?
A fishy odor is commonly attributed to the normal hormonal and metabolic changes of pregnancy. When estrogen levels rise rapidly in the first trimester, it can disrupt your normal senses of smell and taste.
In particular, pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone heighten your olfactory receptors. This makes some normal smells become magnified and unpleasant. The high levels of estrogen can also increase vaginal secretions, causing a stronger odor.
As your pregnancy progresses and hormones fluctuate, smells that once seemed overpowering can become less so. Most women find their sense of smell returns to normal after delivery.
Changes in vaginal pH
Your vagina has a natural acidic pH that helps prevent infection. In pregnancy, the pH rises due to increased estrogen and greater blood flow. The higher pH allows unhealthy bacteria to multiply, which can produce fishy odors.
It’s normal for your vaginal pH to rise during pregnancy, so a mild fishy odor alone isn’t alarming. Make sure to watch for other symptoms of infection.
Increased vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge increases during pregnancy due to elevated estrogen levels and greater blood flow to the vaginal area. Healthy discharge is typically thin, white, and mild smelling.
However, the increase in discharge combined with a higher vaginal pH can sometimes lead to a fishy odor. Again, an unpleasant smell alone doesn’t necessarily signal a problem.
When is a fishy smell concerning?
Most of the time, a fishy smell during early pregnancy is nothing to worry about. But if the odor is persistent and occurs alongside other symptoms, it could indicate an infection that requires medical attention:
- A thin, grey, green, or yellow discharge
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Burning or itching around the vagina
- Soreness or irritation inside the vagina
- Pain during sex
The most common causes of fishy odors with other symptoms are:
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
BV occurs when unhealthy bacteria outnumber healthy bacteria in the vagina. The shift in vaginal flora produces a fishy odor.
BV is common, affecting up to 30% of pregnant women. The exact cause is unknown, but certain factors can increase your risk:
- Multiple sex partners
- Douching
- Using scented soaps or products in the genital area
- Unprotected sex
BV must be treated with prescription antibiotics that are safe in pregnancy. Untreated BV raises the risk of preterm labor and other complications.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Symptoms include green, frothy vaginal discharge with a fishy smell.
Trich requires prescription antibiotic treatment. Without treatment, it can increase the chance of preterm delivery and transmitting HIV.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common STIs that can also cause fishy odors. Pregnant women should be screened for both infections.
If untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and pregnancy complications.
How to prevent fishy vaginal odors
To help avoid unpleasant fishy odors during pregnancy:
- Use mild, unscented soaps externally only
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes
- Wipe front to back after using the bathroom
- Avoid douching, which can disturb vaginal pH
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Get tested for STIs if you have new or multiple partners
Practicing good vaginal hygiene can help prevent bacterial overgrowth and infections that cause fishy smells.
When to see a doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you have:
- A strong fishy vaginal odor
- Fishy smell along with discharge, pain, itching or burning
- Symptoms that persist despite home treatment
Foul vaginal odors with other symptoms require an exam and possible testing to determine the cause. BV, trichomoniasis, yeast infections, and STIs all require prescription medication for proper treatment.
Home remedies
For mild temporary odors without other symptoms, you can try:
- Increasing ventilation by wearing loose clothes
- Drinking more water to dilute urine and odors
- Eating yogurt with live cultures to promote healthy vaginal bacteria
- Taking chlorophyll supplements or liquid chlorophyll added to water
- Boosting zinc intake through foods or supplements
- Using a baking soda bath to help neutralize odors
While home remedies may help with temporary smells, they cannot cure infections. See a doctor if the fishy odor persists or worsens.
When to expect relief from smells
How long bothersome pregnancy odors last depends on the cause:
- Normal hormonal smells – These typically improve in the 2nd trimester as hormone levels stabilize, but can last throughout pregnancy.
- BV – With antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually resolve within 7-10 days.
- Yeast infection – Anti-fungal treatment brings relief within a few days.
- Trichomoniasis – Symptoms dissipate within 5-10 days of starting antibiotics.
- Chlamydia/gonorrhea – Antibiotics lead to improvement within 1-2 weeks.
If foul smells persist despite treatment, return to your doctor for reevaluation. You may need a different medication or longer course of treatment.
When to worry
Seek prompt medical attention if you have:
- Sudden or severe vaginal bleeding
- Severe pelvic pain
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Contractions or uterine cramping
- Leakage of fluid from the vagina
These symptoms can indicate a serious condition like miscarriage, preterm labor, or a severe infection. Your doctor will want to examine you and determine if treatment is needed.
Key takeaways
- Smelling fishy odors is common in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased discharge.
- Mild fishy smells without other symptoms are usually not concerning.
- Strong fishy odors along with discharge, pain or itching can signal an infection needing treatment.
- Practice good hygiene and see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Get prompt care for severe symptoms like heavy bleeding or fever.
Conclusion
Noticing a fishy smell during pregnancy can be disconcerting. But in most cases, it is due to normal hormonal shifts and resolves on its own. Focus on maintaining vaginal health through hygiene, nutrition, and hydration.
However, foul odors accompanied by discharge or irritation warrant medical care. Bacterial infections like BV and trichomoniasis must be properly diagnosed and treated. Let your doctor know about any troublesome odors so the cause can be identified and managed.