What Causes a Metallic Taste During Pregnancy

Women experience unparalleled joy and ecstasy during pregnancy. At the same time, they experience certain strange things. Sometimes they feel incredibly hungry, and at other times sulk at the very utterance of the word food. The taste buds also start acting tricky, as they bring about a drastic change of taste.

Experiencing weird and tart tastes can be quite unpleasing although normal. A sour, bitter, or an acidic taste that you experience while carrying a baby is known as metallic taste. It makes you feel like you are chewing or sucking coins, and this sudden change of taste persists even when you are not eating.

A condition in which the sense of taste gets distorted is known as dysgeusia. Common causes for dysgeusia include drugs, chemotherapy, and mineral deficiency.

• During early pregnancy, fluctuations in the estrogen hormone levels brings about changes in olfaction which can directly or indirectly affect your sense of taste. It also causes morning sickness (pregnancy discomfort experienced in the early hours of the day), fatigue, nausea, mood swings, etc.

• Antibiotics, prenatal vitamins, and hormonal pills often render this strange taste inside your mouth. You regain the normal taste once the dosage is over.
• Some doctors are of the opinion that the toxins released by lymph glands during pregnancy, to protect the fetus from the side effects of different drugs, can also be one of the reasons.

Metallic taste during pregnancy is not a cause of concern. The taste might be unusual, but the symptoms are quite natural and common.

• Having sour or acidic fruits such as citrus juices, fruits, and lemonades help nullify this weird taste by increasing the saliva production.

• Soaking your favorite foods in vinegar before consuming them, or including pickle dishes in your meal (only if you can digest them) can be of great help.
• Brush your teeth with salt or a baking soda solution after each meal. This neutralizes the pH levels inside your mouth.
• Chewing mint-flavored gum and brushing with a mint toothpaste can also do the trick.

• Changing prenatal vitamins for sometime under your doctor's advice can also help to a certain extent.
• Drinking lots of water throughout the day is one of the best remedies to get rid of metallic taste.

• Condiments such as cinnamon and cloves can also be of great help in alleviating this bitter taste. You can opt to either chew them or place in the mouth, but ensure that you consume only a small amount.

Dysgeusia fades away with passing days. When the hormone levels become normal, these trivial discomforts also start disappearing. Usually these strange symptoms are no more bothersome at the onset of the second trimester.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.