Sweet taste sensitivity among pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy

Objective: to investigate sweet taste detection thresholds in pregnant women at different gestational periods. Methods: this cross-sectional, analytical and epidemiological study was conducted at Family Health Units. We included 109 pregnant women aged 18 years or older, in any trimester of pregnancy. The sweet taste detection threshold was assessed in a whole-mouth taste test. Participants also completed a structured questionnaire on personal, demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, and their weight and height were measured. Results: the average threshold values studied were 2.83 g/L in the first and second trimesters and 1.41 g/L in the third trimester, remaining stable across gestational periods. Sweet taste detection thresholds differed according to household arrangement: pregnant women living alone or with friends had a significantly higher threshold index, indicating lower sweet taste sensitivity. Conclusion: the sweet taste detection threshold remained stable throughout pregnancy, and household arrangement may influence sweet taste sensitivity. Contributions to practice: identifying altered sweet taste sensitivity throughout pregnancy can inform interventions to promote healthy eating behaviors.