OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether olfactory performance decreases as a function of the number of pregnancies, previous research having indicated that olfactory function decreases in the course of pregnancy.

METHODS: In a prospective study three groups of women were investigated (total n = 93), women who have given birth to no children (group 0), to one child (group 1), and to two or three children (group 2). Olfactory function was assessed using the "Sniffin' Sticks" kit.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in olfactory function between the three groups.

CONCLUSION: While pregnancy is typically accompanied by changes in olfactory performance, these alterations obviously do not translate into a long-lasting change in olfactory function dependent on the number of pregnancies.