How to eliminate the bitter taste in one's mouth during pregnancy?

Answer 1

Dysgeusia is the medical term for a distortion in our sense of taste. In the non-pregnant patient it can be a harbinger of disease; however, in the pregnant patient is a less-common but nonetheless unpleasant and frustrating side effect of normal pregnancy. There are many theories surrounding the reasons why some women experience a lasting, unpleasant taste in their mouths during pregnancy (some describe it as "metallic" or "sour" but not all women who report this symptom seem to agree on a description). Most evidence points to increasing levels of estrogen that alter the body's interpretation of taste and smell. Some research indicates the taste buds on the tongue actually grow bigger (hypertrophy), which accounts for the distortion of taste during the course of pregnancy. Regardless of cause or underlying physiology, many women have reported that frequently brushing their teeth helps to alleviate the terrible taste in their mouths while a good number of other women report that gargling with diluted solutions of baking soda and water (one cup water to 1/4 tablespoon baking soda) very effectively neutralizes the unpleasant sensation. Sucking on mints, sour foods like lemons or sour candies seems to help some women while others report anything sugary or starchy makes it work. It is worthy of trying some of these safe, cheap and easy remedies at home to see if any of them work for you. As always, it is important, vital and necessary to stay in communication with your obstetric practitioner about any side effects or symptoms that you may be experiencing during pregnancy--if for no other reason than reassurance and encouragement.