Metallic Taste in Mouth In Pregnancy: Causes & Remedies

Key Takeaways

• A metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy is called dysgeusia and is often linked to hormonal changes.
• It is more common during early pregnancy and may gradually improve as pregnancy progresses.
• Morning sickness, acid reflux, dry mouth, oral health changes, and iron-containing supplements may make the taste more noticeable.
• Drinking water, maintaining good oral hygiene, and trying sour or refreshing flavours may help ease the metallic taste.

A metallic taste in mouth in pregnancy, known as dysgeusia, is usually caused by hormonal changes that can alter how you perceive flavours. This taste disturbance is particularly common in early pregnancy; one study found that 92.8% of pregnant women experienced some change in taste during pregnancy (1).

Although dysgeusia can make foods taste bitter, metallic, or unusually strong, it is generally temporary. This article explains everything you need to know about metallic taste in mouth and pregnancy, including its possible causes, remedies that may provide relief, and when you should consult a healthcare professional.

What Is Dysgeusia or Metal Mouth During Pregnancy?

A metallic taste in the mouth is an early symptom of pregnancy. The changing pregnancy hormones may trigger certain sensory changes in a pregnant woman that can leave a foul taste in the mouth. Many pregnant women may feel a metallic, burnt, sour or rancid taste in their mouths. Many pregnant women have described the metallic taste in pregnancy as having a mouthful of old coins or lapping on a handrail (2).

Dysgeusia is a condition in which a person experiences foul, salty, rancid, or metallic taste in the mouth. Dysgeusia will not result in food aversions or cravings during pregnancy, but it can cause the food to taste bitter or leave a bad taste after eating. Sometimes the metallic taste in the mouth in pregnancy may persist even without having eaten anything. Dysgeusia in pregnancy can make the condition of morning sickness worse in some pregnant women (3).

Is it Normal to Have a Metallic Taste in the Mouth During Pregnancy?

Yes, having a metallic taste in mouth during early pregnancy is common, particularly during the first trimester. Hence, you may not find a metallic taste in your mouth in 3rd trimester of pregnancy as it must have already vanished (4).

When Do You Experience Metallic Taste in the Mouth During Pregnancy?

Dysgeusia generally manifests during the first trimester of pregnancy and usually fades away as the pregnancy advances or after childbirth (5). In most cases, the metallic taste sensation improves by the second trimester when the hormones start to settle down a little. Some pregnant women may experience it from time to time throughout their pregnancy, especially after having heartburn or eating something with artificial sweeteners or anything with onions.

There might be other reasons for the metallic taste in your mouth that are not related to pregnancy, such as diabetes, gingivitis, kidney or liver disease, cancer or cancer treatments, or having certain dental appliances or fillings. But if you do not have any of these issues, then the metallic taste is simply because of the fluctuating hormones during pregnancy. However, if you are facing other issues along with the metallic taste, it is wise to consult your doctor.

What Are the Causes of Metallic Taste in the Mouth During Pregnancy?

The real cause of a metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy is unknown. But here are some of the probable causes (6):

• Pregnancy Hormones and Dysgeusia: The connection between dysgeusia and pregnancy is often linked to hormonal changes. Rising and fluctuating levels of hormones, particularly oestrogen, may affect how the brain perceives different tastes, causing foods and drinks to taste metallic, bitter, or unusually strong (7).
• Changes in the Sense of Smell: Smell and taste are closely connected. Pregnancy can heighten the sense of smell (8), so certain odours that previously seemed neutral may suddenly become unpleasant and contribute to an unusual or metallic taste.
• Changes in Taste Perception: Pregnancy can temporarily alter the way the taste buds respond to sweet, salty, sour, and bitter flavours. These changes in gustatory function may make familiar foods taste different and can contribute to a metallic sensation.
• Possible Nutritional Adaptation: Some theories suggest that pregnancy-related changes in taste may influence food preferences and encourage the intake of nutrients needed during pregnancy, including iron and sodium. However, this proposed explanation is not firmly established.
• Morning Sickness and Vomiting: Frequent nausea or vomiting can leave stomach acid in the mouth, which may create a sour, bitter, or metallic taste. Dehydration following repeated vomiting may also make the sensation more noticeable.
• Prenatal Vitamins and Iron Supplements: Iron-containing prenatal vitamins and supplements can sometimes leave a metallic aftertaste. If the taste started after beginning a new supplement, it may be worth discussing the timing with your healthcare provider before making any changes (9).
• Dry Mouth and Dehydration: Hormonal changes, vomiting, reduced fluid intake, or simply not drinking enough water can cause dry mouth. Reduced saliva can affect taste perception and make an unpleasant or metallic taste more noticeable.
• Oral Health Changes: Pregnancy can increase the risk of swollen or bleeding gums because of hormonal changes. Blood in the mouth can have a metallic taste, so gum inflammation or other oral health problems may contribute to the sensation.
• Acid Reflux: Heartburn and acid reflux are common during pregnancy. When stomach acid moves back into the mouth, it can produce a sour, bitter, or metallic taste, particularly after meals or when lying down.

How Long Does Metallic Taste Last During Pregnancy?

Different women have different experiences during their pregnancy. Some women may have dysgeusia, while others may not. Know how long it lasts:

• Some pregnant women may not develop dysgeusia or a metallic taste at all, while some may experience it right from the start of their pregnancy.
• More often than not, the condition of dysgeusia gets better with the progression of pregnancy.
• The intensity of the metallic taste in the mouth in pregnancy’s second trimester will greatly reduce and completely vanish by the third trimester, just like morning sickness.
• But in some cases, the metallic taste may linger on throughout the pregnancy.
• Dysgeusia during pregnancy is not a worrisome condition, provided it doesn’t interfere with eating habits and leads to extreme nausea.
• It normally doesn’t require any medical treatment.
• It can be difficult to prevent the incidence of dysgeusia during pregnancy though it may be possible to ease some of the discomfort caused by.
• Generally, foods that intensify the flow of saliva may help in washing away the metallic taste.

How to Get Rid of a Metallic Taste When Pregnant

Some helpful tips to lessen the effects of early pregnancy metallic taste or dysgeusia are (9):

• Certain dietary changes, like snacking on saltine crackers, may help in reducing the metallic taste.
• Chewing on sugarless gum can prove useful.
• Taking mint can also aid in expelling the metallic taste.
• You can try eating spicy food to numb the metallic taste as long as it doesn’t aggravate acidity.
• Colder fluids like popsicles and ice may help too.
• Try and avoid tasting new food, as it can, at times, worsen the metallic taste in the mouth during the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Maintaining oral hygiene like frequent brushing, cleaning your tongue, flossing your teeth, and using a gentle mouthwash can help keep the metallic taste at bay.
• Drinking water often, preferably with a lemon squeezed in it, may prove beneficial.
• Eating green apples can purge any lingering metallic taste.
• You may find gargling with a little baking soda solution or salt is effective in dealing with the metallic taste.
• Use of ginger in the form of ginger tea or ginger ale can be an effective remedy to get rid of the metallic taste in the mouth.
• Eating foods marinated in vinegar may also be helpful in getting rid of metal mouth.
• Sour flavours like pickles, citrus juices, etc., can help banish the metallic taste.

FAQs

1. Can I experience a bitter taste in my mouth during pregnancy?

Also Read: 

Mouth Ulcers while Pregnant
Dry Mouth during Pregnancy
Excessive Saliva in Pregnancy
Bleeding Gums when Pregnant