Many expectant mothers observe various physiological shifts, prompting questions about how pregnancy affects the entire body. One often-overlooked area where changes can occur is the ear canal, leading many to wonder if they are producing more earwax than usual. Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, is a natural secretion composed of dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from the ceruminous and sebaceous glands. It plays a protective role in cleaning and lubricating the ear, but an increase in its volume or alteration in its texture can certainly be noticeable.
The Connection Between Pregnancy and Cerumen Production
Many pregnant individuals report an increase in the volume or a change in the quality of their cerumen production. This is a recognized, minor physiological change linked to the systemic adjustments occurring during gestation. The body’s entire system of secretory glands can be affected by the hormonal and circulatory changes of pregnancy. This alteration in earwax is typically temporary and usually resolves after childbirth, confirming its link to the pregnant state.
The sensation of a blocked or full ear is a common complaint, sometimes accompanied by symptoms like muffled hearing or a mild earache. While the ear canal’s self-cleaning process normally manages cerumen, any increase in production or thickening of the wax can overwhelm this natural mechanism. This can lead to a gradual build-up that may require gentle intervention to manage the discomfort.
The Role of Hormones in Earwax Consistency
The biological mechanism driving the change in earwax centers on the dramatic rise in pregnancy hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These steroid hormones influence various glands throughout the body, including the ceruminous and sebaceous glands responsible for creating earwax. The surge in estrogen and progesterone specifically increases the activity of sebaceous glands.
This increased glandular activity results in a higher volume of sebum, which is the oily component of cerumen. The resulting earwax may become wetter, softer, or stickier than a person is used to, making it more prone to accumulation. This effect mirrors how pregnancy hormones often cause increased oiliness or acne on the skin and scalp.
The changes in earwax are also part of a wider effect on the ear, as hormonal shifts can lead to fluid retention and increased blood flow in the body. While the increased cerumen production is directly related to glandular activity, the overall sensation of ear fullness may be compounded by these systemic changes. These changes affect the small, delicate structures of the inner and middle ear.
Safe Management of Increased Earwax During Pregnancy
If increased cerumen causes discomfort or a noticeable reduction in hearing, safe, at-home management options are generally recommended for pregnant individuals. The safest and simplest method involves using a few drops of a mild, softening agent like mineral oil or olive oil. Applying two or three drops into the ear canal while lying on the side can help to soften the wax plug over several days.
Avoid using cotton swabs or similar objects to clean inside the ear canal, as this action often pushes the wax deeper, potentially worsening a blockage or causing injury. Ear candling is an ineffective and unsafe practice that should be avoided entirely. Before using any medicated over-the-counter ear drops, consult with an obstetrician or general practitioner.
If home remedies do not provide relief, professional earwax removal is safe and effective during pregnancy. Techniques such as microsuction, which uses a gentle vacuum to clear the ear canal without water, are often preferred. A healthcare professional can assess the ear canal and determine the most appropriate and safest method to relieve the discomfort caused by the excess cerumen.