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How to get rid of the metallic taste in your mouth during pregnancy

metallic taste in pregnancy
 
Sophie Martin
Medically reviewed by
23rd Feb 2024

Being pregnant can do some pretty strange things to your body. If you’re experiencing a strange metallic taste in your mouth during pregnancy - you’re far from alone.

While you may be in-the-know about the wider-known pregnancy pitfalls such as morning sickness and heartburn, having a metallic taste in your mouth may not be something you’re familiar with until you’re desperately trying to cleanse your tastebuds of it.  

The foul metallic taste experienced during pregnancy can be highly unpleasant, bitter and difficult to alleviate, but rest assured it’s not usually a sign that there is anything wrong. It is, in fact, a pretty common symptom of pregnancy and can even be one of the tell-tale signs that you are expecting a baby early on in the first trimester.

The medical term for the weird taste in your mouth is ‘dysgeusia’, which typically describes a change of your taste senses. Pregnant women who have experienced this distortion describe it as tasting like they have metal coins in their mouth or are chewing on aluminium foil. Yuck! 

Many pregnant women find the metallic taste is present all of the time, even when they’re not eating.

So what causes the metallic taste in your mouth during pregnancy?

It is thought that like many other things that happen in pregnancy, changing hormones could be to blame. The pregnancy hormone oestrogen helps to govern your sense of taste, so when you notice your taste buds acting up, it could well be an indication that your pregnancy is moving forward. Along with the metallic taste in your mouth, you may also find your nose is not as it was either - that’s because your sense of smell and taste are closely linked.

How long will the metallic taste last in pregnancy?

The good news is like morning sickness, there is a good chance dysgeusia will ease or even pass completely as you move into the second trimester and your pregnancy hormones begin to stabilise. There is however, (sorry to be the bearer of bad news!) a chance it may return later on in pregnancy or even after you’ve had your baby. And for some women it may not leave at all.

What can I do to prevent the metallic taste during pregnancy?

So, the all-important question: what can you do to quash the foul ‘metal mouth’ taste during pregnancy?

There are a few things you can try, although what works for one pregnant woman, may not for another.

Ready for a bit of trial and error? 

Acids have been found to offer relief for some women as they are able to cut through the taste. Try eating vinegar-soaked products such as pickles, chutneys and sauces - or add a shake of vinegar to your dinner, if that works.

Foods that increase the amount of saliva you produce such as apples and chewy vegetables might also help to wash away the taste.

Other foods which might help counteract pregnancy dysgeusia are citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, pineapple and kiwi, which are great for a vitamin boost too.

Make sure you keep well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help keep the weird taste in your mouth under control. Try squeezing a lemon or lime into your glass of water to see if it helps.

Sipping on ice cubes might also be useful - you can even freeze them with a twist of lime already included so they’re good to go if the taste gets too much.

Brush your teeth and your tongue regularly with a refreshing mint toothpaste. Keeping on top of your oral hygiene can help reduce dysgeusia. You can also try gargling with mouthwash although always check the product is safe to use during pregnancy.

If all else fails and you still can’t escape the torment of dysgeusia, you may want to try some sour-tasting sweets. Although we know it’s not ideal to eat too much sugar, some mums-to-be report that skittles or haribos did the trick. Just don’t eat too many!

Other things to ask yourself:

Are you taking any medication? There are some medications which might be contributing to the horrible taste in your mouth such as antibiotics or antidepressants. Although it is essential not to stop taking medication if it has been prescribed, it might be worth having a word with your GP.

Sophie Martin
Medically reviewed by
23rd Feb 2024

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