Everyone knows the classic (or common) symptoms of pregnancy: tender breasts, missed period, morning sickness, feeling tired, etc. But some pregnant women experience a host of other symptoms that are not-so-common (and are unexpected too) such as saliva build-up in the mouth. Excess saliva in the mouth is a rare symptom of early pregnancy and is usually experienced by those pregnant women who have morning sickness. Saliva build-up in early pregnancy is medically termed as ptyalism gravidarum.
Yes, it is perfectly normal to salivate a lot more than usual during pregnancy. Usually, the glands that produce saliva tend to generate approximately 400ml to 1 litre of saliva in an entire day. We know, that seems like a large amount, but it goes unnoticed since we constantly keep swallowing it throughout the day. However, during pregnancy, if a woman has excess saliva in her mouth, it could be because of increased saliva production or decreased swallowing tendency or a combination of both.
A few pregnant women may salivate intensely when they are nauseous. The saliva in such cases can make one feel like spitting it out.
Some women may believe that excess saliva could be an early pregnancy symptom. However, excess production of saliva starts around the 2nd or 3rd week of the pregnancy and settles down around the end of the first trimester. For certain women, this condition continues throughout the pregnancy and up until the delivery. Experts believe that excess saliva production is the body’s way of protecting the mouth, throat, and teeth from the corrosive effects of stomach acid.
Some of the possible causes of excessive salivation during pregnancy are given below –
Some of the benefits of excess saliva production during pregnancy are given below –
The problem of excessive saliva in the mouth is not serious and you need not worry about the same. Also, there’s no known cure for the same. But there are certain things that you can try to lessen the production of saliva in your mouth.
As much as one would like to know how to stop excessive saliva during pregnancy, unfortunately, there are no precautions, no habits, no known techniques that can help reduce the saliva production. It is just a phase, like pregnancy and all the other changes that your body undergoes, and will pass away with time. Do not overthink about it or let down your mood and be disgusted by what’s happening to you. It is natural, it is a bodily response, so don’t worry about it.
If you are salivating excessively during pregnancy, obviously, you will be annoyed. But don’t worry, it’s just a symptom of pregnancy and should subside after the first trimester of pregnancy. However, this symptom may last longer in some women. If the same happens with you, don’t panic because it will subside after you give birth to your baby. But if you feel miserable, you can always check with your doctor and ask what can be done.
Excess saliva might seem extremely weird when it starts happening, but it is just as natural as morning sickness. Unless the salivation becomes too intense for you to lead a normal life or is combined with frequent episodes of vomiting, there is no reason to visit your doctor for it. They might help you put your mind to ease but on a medical level, there isn’t anything to worry about.
Salivating excessively during pregnancy can seem a bit embarrassing, but you need not worry, it is a sign of pregnancy. It a natural response to the changes in your body and drooling or excessive saliva is nothing than a minor annoyance. Keep it at that and focus on the better parts of your journey through pregnancy.