Metallic Taste In Mouth During Pregnancy: Its Causes & Tips

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A positive pregnancy test brings loads of unexpected events for a pregnant woman. Along with impending nausea and fatigue, changes in our gustatory system can cause a common metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy (1).

The general change in the taste is called dysgeusia and is commonly seen along with the symptoms of fatigue and nausea (1). This abnormal taste perception usually occurs during the first trimester and feels similar to having coins in the mouth or a taste that is hard to describe. Metallic taste in the mouth is a harmless condition and is rarely a cause for concern (2).

Read through the post to learn the onset, causes, and management of metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy.

Is It Normal To Have A Metallic Taste In Your Mouth During Pregnancy?

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Dysgeusia is a normal and common pregnancy symptom. It is frequently seen in most pregnant women, with most reporting at least some changes in taste during pregnancy (1). It is not a cause for concern. Nevertheless, you may inform the doctor about it, especially if the metallic taste is accompanied by other symptoms such as dry mouth or pain in the mouth.

When Does The Metallic Taste Start During Pregnancy?

The metallic taste mostly starts to appear in the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy). This change in taste is sudden or maybe felt randomly at any time of the day, even without eating or drinking (3). You may also have other flavor or taste-related sensations or increased sensitivity to certain tastes. For instance, a few studies have shown an increased sensitivity to bitter taste during pregnancy, although this may vary from one pregnant woman to another (4).

A mom blogger anonymously recounts her encounter with a metallic taste in her mouth while pregnant. She expresses, “Soon after I found out I was pregnant, I developed a strange metallic taste in my mouth called dysgeusia. It changed the taste of everything I ate and stayed with me at all times. Just imagine sucking on a copper flavored lollipop. Ugh! As a lover of food, this was a no-go for me, but there was nothing I could do about it. Luckily, it faded away after my first trimester (i).”

What Causes Metallic Taste During Pregnancy?

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There is no specific reason for metallic taste during pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not experience it at all. Dysgeusia and a metallic taste in pregnancy may most likely occur due to the following factors.

• The altered levels of pregnancy hormones may affect the taste buds’ functions, contributing to metallic taste in pregnancy.

• A change in the sense of smell is also connected to taste alterations and food aversions (5). These could occur due to the effects of hormones. Consequently, some women have strong cravings for certain foods, which may increase the chances of a strange metallic sensation in the mouth. It may be due to iron supplements.

Non-pregnancy-related factors may include medications, gum infection, cold, and sinus infection (2).

Quick fact

Indigestion in pregnancy is common and may lead to a metallic taste in the mouth (2).

When Can You Expect The Metallic Taste To End?

Dysgeusia is most common in the first trimester. The taste buds return to normal once the hormones begin to settle down. In some women, the metallic taste might be present throughout the pregnancy with decreased severity. Dysgeusia in pregnancy is not serious, as long as it doesn’t affect the appetite of pregnant women. There is no treatment required as the condition gets better with the progression of pregnancy (5).

Point to consider

Kidney problems, liver issues, and diabetes are some conditions that may cause a metallic taste during pregnancy. See your doctor if it is accompanied by other unusual symptoms (7).

How To Tackle Dysgeusia During Pregnancy?

Having an unpleasant or bad taste can be awful during pregnancy. Though one cannot prevent the incidence of dysgeusia, certain measures may help ease the discomfort.

Asha Chohan details her encounter with the unpleasant metallic taste in her mouth during pregnancy on her blog. She recalls, “Hands up if you know what I mean by that ‘metallic’ taste on your tongue. Oh, the things we’d do to get rid of that revolting taste! My way to go was ice lollies! Any time I felt this taste in my mouth and my mouth started to feel really dry, I’d treat myself to an ice lolly. My husband filled our freezer with fruit pastel ice lollies as that’s all I wanted. They totally got rid of that awful metallic taste that sat on my tongue most days (ii)!”

Here are some tips to combat the metallic taste in pregnancy.

• Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, pineapples, and green apples, may cut through the metallic taste. Also, try adding vinegar to your foods or drinks.

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• Brush your teeth twice a day (with toothpaste containing baking soda) followed by thorough tongue cleaning.

• Rinse your mouth with a mild oral salt solution periodically.

• Chew a minty gum to increase saliva production, which helps to wash away the bitterness in the mouth.

• Drink lots of water to ease the symptoms.

• Certain prenatal vitamins may have high iron content, making this condition worse. Talk to your doctor if you feel the prescribed medicines are worsening your condition (6).

Image: Shutterstock

Infographic: Seeking Your Dentist’s Help To Manage The Metallic Taste

A metallic taste in the mouth is one of the many unusual and weird side effects of pregnancy. While it may not be preventable, your dentist may help curb its severity. Find management options for metallic taste during pregnancy in this infographic.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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Dr. Richa Hatila SinghMS

Dr. Richa Hatila is a practicing gynecologist in Varanasi, with 14 years of experience. She did her MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB, and a Fellowship in Laparoscopic surgeries (FMAS). She is currently associated with Shubham Hospital and Sah Speciality Clinic in Varanasi.more

Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology. Vidya writes health-based articles...more

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and...more

Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD

Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer. Her research work was published in international journals and publications, such...more