Q. Since getting pregnant, my sense of smell has gone haywire- even my husband stinks. Why does this happens and when will it go away?

A. As many as 75 percent of pregnant women experience increased sensitivity to smells. This change occurs both at the nerves in the nose that sense the odors and at the part of the brain that interprets the smells. Scents that were once considered pleasant, like cooking meat, brewing coffee, and even your own perfume may become nauseating during pregnancy. Previously unnoticed smells, such as minimal body odor, may become pronounced and objectionable. The reasons for these changes to the sense of smell are unknown, but may have to do with pregnant women's biological need to avoid harmful foods. Your sense of smell may become less sensitive in the second half of pregnancy and it should return to normal after delivery.