Metallic Taste in Mouth
Strange metallic or bitter taste in mouth, often in first trimester.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Early pregnancy, typically first trimester
📊 How Common
Fairly common but not universal
Overview
Many women experience a persistent metallic, bitter, or sour taste in their mouth during early pregnancy, even when they haven't eaten anything. This condition, called dysgeusia, is caused by pregnancy hormones affecting your sense of taste.
The metallic taste may be constant or come and go, and it can make food taste different or less appealing. Some women say it tastes like they've been sucking on coins. While annoying, it's harmless and usually goes away after the first trimester.
This taste change may contribute to food aversions and is often accompanied by heightened sense of smell, as taste and smell are closely connected.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Most common, may be early pregnancy sign
Second Trimester
Usually resolves
Third Trimester
Rare to persist
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Pregnancy hormones (estrogen) affecting taste buds
- •Changes in sense of smell affecting taste perception
- •Related to same hormones causing morning sickness
- •Heightened sensory awareness in early pregnancy
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Brush teeth and tongue frequently
- ✓Use baking soda rinse (1 tsp in cup of water)
- ✓Chew sugar-free gum or mints
- ✓Eat citrus fruits or drink lemonade
- ✓Use plastic utensils instead of metal
- ✓Drink through a straw
- ✓Eat pickles or other vinegar-based foods
- ✓Season food with herbs and spices
- ✓Rinse mouth with salt water
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Taste change accompanied by mouth sores
- ⚠Persistent bad taste with other symptoms
- ⚠Preventing adequate nutrition
- ⚠Signs of dental problems
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: