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Having a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, also known as dysgeusia, is one of the most common symptoms during pregnancy, especially during the 1st trimester, which happens essentially due to the hormonal changes characteristic of this phase.
In addition, other factors may be at the root of this symptom, such as suffering from heartburn or taking supplements for pregnancy. However, although it is rare, dysgeusia in pregnancy can be a symptom of a health condition, such as hepatitis, infection or diabetes, for example.
The bitter taste has no treatment and tends to disappear during pregnancy, but some measures can help, such as chewing gum or sucking on a lemon popsicle, for example.
Because it happens
Pregnant women report the bitter and metallic taste, as if they were drinking water from a metallic utensil or as if they had a coin in their mouth.
The most common cause of a bitter or metallic-tasting mouth in pregnancy is the change in hormone levels, especially estrogen, which is related to the sensation of taste. However, in some cases, this symptom may be related to the side effects of folic acid supplementation.
This symptom is very common during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and will disappear during pregnancy. However, in some cases, the bitter taste is caused by gastroesophageal reflux, which is more common in the last trimester, due to the increase in uterine volume, which compresses the stomach, leading to relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.
Learn how to end reflux in pregnancy.
How to relieve
In most cases, the bitter or metallic taste in the mouth will disappear during pregnancy. However, some measures can relieve the metallic and bitter taste in the mouth, such as:
- Chew gum or suck a candy, preferably without sugar;
- Suck ice cream, like a lemon popsicle, for example;
- Eat crackers throughout the day;
- Drink citrus fruit juices;
- Brush your teeth more often, taking care to also brush your tongue and use a mouthwash, which also helps to eliminate this taste.
Learn how to care for your teeth correctly in pregnancy.
Other causes of bitter mouth
The bitter mouth in pregnancy is usually caused by hormonal changes, however, although it is less common, it can also occur due to poor oral hygiene, use of antibiotics or antidepressants, hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, infections, diabetic ketoacidosis or exposure to metals heavy.
Learn more about the causes of bitter mouth and see what to do.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
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