When I found out I was pregnant at 35, it was a moment of sheer joy and anticipation filled with a lot of nervousness. Little did I know that the journey ahead would be filled with surprises, some of which were far from pleasant. One such uninvited guest that decided to join my pregnancy party was the notorious metallic taste in my mouth. It was the very first sign that something was different (well before I even confirmed I was pregnant), and it’s been a nearly daily companion ever since. In this post, I want to dive deep into the world of the metallic taste during pregnancy, sharing my experiences and some tips for coping.
The Unexpected Introduction
On +5DPO, I noticed a weird taste in my mouth. The only thing I could relate it to was a metallic taste. I had never experienced anything like this. Brushing my teeth would knock it out for a couple of minutes, but it continued to persists. After a couple of days of this, I ended up googling it. At this point, I wasn’t even thinking about pregnancy and my boyfriend and I were not trying to get pregnant yet. I searched multiple search terms and everything kept coming back to this being a sign of pregnancy. I was shocked as I hadn’t ever heard of this as a pregnancy symptom at all, let alone a possible early sign of pregnancy. As the days passed and my pregnancy progressed, the pesky metallic taste wouldn’t quit and I started developing other known early pregnancy symptoms. I quickly realized that the journey I was embarking on was going to be anything but ordinary.
The Never-Ending Taste of Metal
The metallic taste became a constant in my life. It’s not like sipping on a copper coin, but rather a subtle yet unrelenting presence. It’s as if I’ve become an unwilling connoisseur of various metals, with each day bringing a new metallic flavor to my palate. Some days, it’s like I’ve licked a battery (not that I recommend doing so), while on others, it’s more like chewing on an aluminum foil.
What’s truly baffling is how it seems to intensify after certain meals. The delicious curry my now fiancé cooked? It tasted like I’d just licked an iron railing. That sweet chocolate I was craving? They were tinged with a bizarre metallic undertone. It’s as if pregnancy decided to play a cruel joke on my taste buds.
The Science Behind the Metallic Taste
Why does this metallic taste occur during pregnancy? It turns out that it’s not just some random fluke. There’s actually some science behind it. The hormonal changes your body goes through can impact your sense of taste and smell. These hormonal fluctuations can alter your taste buds’ sensitivity to different flavors, causing them to perceive certain foods as metallic or off-putting.
Additionally, during pregnancy, there’s an increase in blood volume and changes in circulation. This can sometimes lead to a heightened sense of taste and smell, making even the subtlest of flavors seem overpowering. Unfortunately, this can also mean experiencing that pesky metallic taste.
Coping with the Unwanted Guest
Now, the metallic taste isn’t something you can simply kick out the door. It’s like that unwelcome houseguest who never seems to leave. However, there are a few strategies I’ve learned to help cope with it. Some days they work; somedays they don’t, but at this point, I’m grateful for even a slight reprieve from this awful taste in my mouth.
- Stay Hydrated: Sipping on water throughout the day can help dilute the metallic taste (even though the water still tastes like metal too).
- Citrusy Delights: Foods and drinks with citrus flavors can sometimes help counter the metallic aftertaste.
- Minty Fresh: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on mints can provide a temporary reprieve.
- Rinse and Repeat: A simple rinse with a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash can help freshen your taste buds.
- Brush and Floss: Good oral hygiene becomes even more essential during pregnancy. Brushing and flossing regularly can help combat the metallic taste.
- Prenatal Vitamins: I haven’t tried this one yet, but I have been recommended to speak with my healthcare provider about switching to a different brand of prenatal vitamins, as some formulations can exacerbate the metallic taste. I’ll update soon whether this makes a difference or not.
Conclusion
Here I am, seven weeks pregnant now, and that metallic taste remains my not-so-silent companion. I certainly hope it goes away eventually, but I have heard that some women continue to have it for their entire pregnancy. While it’s not the most pleasant aspect of my pregnancy journey, it’s a reminder that my body is going through incredible changes to nurture and protect the little life growing inside me.
If you’re dealing with the metallic taste as well, know that you’re not alone. It may not be the highlight of your pregnancy, but it’s a shared experience among many expectant moms. Remember, this too shall pass – or so they say. Until then, let’s keep sharing our stories, supporting each other, and finding ways to cope with the unexpected surprises pregnancy throws our way.
Stay tuned for more candid pregnancy stories, tips, and advice here at Blunt Bumps. If you have your own metallic taste tales to share, don’t hesitate to join the conversation in the comments below. Together, we can hopefully navigate this metallic-flavored journey, one day at a time.
