Metallic Taste in Mouth during Pregnancy

What is dysgeusia or metallic taste in mouth

Dysgeusia is the medical term for a sour, salty, somewhat bitter, in general a metallic or copper taste in mouth ^[1] (as if you have a penny in your mouth) that prevents you from tasting your foods and drinks properly. It may even be associated with ageusia, another similar condition characterized by a complete lack of the sensation of taste ^[2].

Is the metallic taste in mouth a sign of early pregnancy

It is one of the common signs occurring early in the first trimester, often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, lack of appetite, food cravings/aversions and an increased sensitivity toward various smells ^[3]. Many women have the bitter or copper taste even before they can get a positive pregnancy test.

What causes the metallic taste in mouth

Researches have shown the hormone estrogen to influence the sense of taste ^[4]. So, the increased estrogen levels are believed to play a vital role in causing the weird taste in your mouth during this time ^[3].

Prenatal vitamins and the other supplements or medications commonly taken while pregnant have also been associated with the odd taste.

How long does the copper taste in mouth last during pregnancy

It usually gets better along with some of the other signs, like morning sickness and indigestion, in the second trimester, as the hormone levels start to gradually settle down ^[5]. However, some women may continue to have their mouth taste like metal later in their pregnancy as well. On the other hand, in some cases, the symptom may come back for a few weeks with the sudden changes in the hormone levels after giving birth.

How to get rid of the metal taste in mouth

It is often not possible to cure dysgeusia in pregnancy as there is no way to control or manage the hormone levels. Make sure to consult with your doctor to find out if your prenatal vitamin or an underlying problem may be the possible reason. In such a case, changing the brand of vitamin ^[5] or treating the problem may resolve the symptom.

Here are some tips to manage it until it goes away completely:

Sip on fresh, sugarless citrus juices or suck on a sour candy as it can help neutralize the rancid taste in your mouth
Drink a lot of water, and squeeze in a piece of lemon in your glass whenever you can
Suck on ice chips; you may even try freezing small pieces of citrus fruits as suck on them throughout the day
Pickled foods may also help, but make sure you have your indigestion and heartburn under control
You may also go for savory foods like a piece of cheese or some whole grain crackers
Chew a gum (make sure it is sugar-free)
Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water few times in a day as it can help to balance the pH levels in your mouth; a quarter spoon of baking soda in a glass of water may also help
Brush your teeth as well as your tongue after every meal

ICD-9 and ICD-10 Codes

The ICD-9-CM code for dysgeusia is 781.1 ^[6], while its ICD-10 code is R43.2 ^[7].

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