During pregnancy, it's not unusual for the increase in hormones to mess with your sense of taste and smell. In fact, this change is so common that it has a name: dysgeusia. It's also why many women are repulsed by certain foods or start craving other ones they never before liked. For most, the problem goes away after the first trimester.
If you're experiencing a metallic taste, it could be an early sign of a food allergy, such as shellfish or tree nuts. It's also a possible symptom of anaphylaxis, which is deadly. So if the metallic taste is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, call 911 immediately.
A metal taste can also be a side effect of some medications, especially those that are antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs. Other medications, such as antacids and some antibiotics, can also cause this sensation. If this is the case for you, it's worth talking to your doctor about switching to a different drug that doesn't have this side effect.
Gum disease, a condition in which bacteria attack the gums, can also lead to a metallic taste. So make sure to brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash and chew sugar-free gum or mints.
Metal tastes can also be a side effect of COVID-19, the new coronavirus that popped up in late 2019. Like other illnesses that change your sense of taste and smell, COVID-19 causes inflammation in the lining of your nose and the nerves that control it.