Although, it is not a proven fact, metallic taste in mouth is often associated with pregnancy. Know whether it is really a sign of pregnancy in this article.
When you are trying to get pregnant, you simply cannot wait to see a positive pregnancy test. You start looking for possible pregnancy symptoms here and there. The old wives tales and other anecdotes shared by your friends suddenly start making sense to you. While some early signs of pregnancy have been approved by medical experts, some others still remain a part of old wives tale. Metallic taste in mouth is one such sign of pregnancy, which has been widely accepted, even though there is no scientific evidence to back this fact.
Is Metallic Taste a Sign of Pregnancy?
Metallic taste in mouth can result from various illnesses. Medically, no connection between metallic taste and pregnancy has been ever established. However, the fact that large number of pregnant women experience this symptom during early pregnancy, often forces us to believe that it has something to do with pregnancy. If you are trying to conceive, then you might be tempted to take this symptom as a sign of pregnancy. More so, if you have never experienced something like this before. In case, you have no underlying medical problem and that you follow a healthy diet, then there may not be any other cause for this, than a possible pregnancy. In that case, you may treat it as one of the early signs of pregnancy. However, this symptom should not be considered as a solid proof of pregnancy.
Possible Causes of Metallic Taste in Mouth During Pregnancy
Although, medical community has not been able to ascertain the fact that metallic taste is due to pregnancy, there are indeed some causes which trace this condition to pregnancy. Given below are some possible causes of metallic taste in mouth during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Hormones
Pregnancy is characterized by a surge in hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These hormones alter your sense of taste. Thus, you may respond to the same taste differently, when you become pregnant. Also, you may be able to taste insignificant ingredients in the food, which may leave a metallic taste in your mouth.
Heightened Sense of Smell
You must be aware that olfactory sense and taste are correlated. Pregnancy hormones sharpen your sense of smell, which makes you taste food differently. You may also notice that you suddenly become averse to your favorite foods.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are also responsible for the peculiar metallic taste in the mouth. The various minerals and other ingredients in prenatal vitamins have a characteristic metallic taste. However, women who have been on prenatal vitamins for years may not experience this taste until they get pregnant.
Acid Reflux
Pregnancy hormones interfere with the normal digestive function to a great extent. Indigestion, acid reflux, constipation are some common digestive problems during pregnancy. The regurgitation of food due to acid reflux often leaves a metallic taste in your mouth.
What Can You Do about Metallic Taste in Mouth
Although, metallic taste in mouth is not particularly serious, it can be annoying if it persists throughout your pregnancy. Many women complain that the metallic taste won’t go away until they eat something. Sour, acidic foods supposedly get rid of metallic taste in mouth. Besides, eating spicy foods is also one way of overcoming this problem. However, do consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet, more so, if your pregnancy has already been confirmed.
Thus, one can say that metallic taste in mouth is linked to pregnancy but not a assured sign. Hence, look out for other pregnancy symptoms if you experience metallic taste. If you find none, consult your doctor to diagnose the possible cause of metallic taste.
