When does excessive saliva stop in pregnancy

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.

Índice Show

Is it Normal to Have Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?
When Does Excess Saliva Production Start During Pregnancy?
Causes of Salivation During Pregnancy
Benefits of Increased Salivation
Can You Prevent Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?
When Can You Expect This to Stop?
When to Consult the Doctor
Increased Salivation In Pregnancy: Is It Common?
When In Pregnancy Does Hypersalivation Usually Start?
Causes Of Hypersalivation In Pregnancy
Are There Any Benefits Of Excess Saliva?
How Do You Get Rid Of Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?

Is it Normal to Have Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?

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.

When Does Excess Saliva Production Start During Pregnancy?

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.

Causes of Salivation During Pregnancy

Some of the possible causes of excessive salivation during pregnancy are given below –

Experts aren’t sure but one of the possible reasons for an increase in saliva during pregnancy is pregnancy hormones. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to an increase in saliva production.
The usual tendencies of morning sickness and nausea may prevent women from swallowing the saliva as the taste might make it unpleasant and even more nauseous. This leads to saliva build-up in the mouth.
Producing excess saliva during pregnancy can be because of heartburn, which is a common problem during pregnancy. As the uterus expands to accommodate the baby and pushes the stomach, it can cause the stomach to push up its contents in the oesophagus, leading to a bad irritating and burning sensation. As a bodily reflex, the oesophagus causes the glands to produce more saliva in order to soothe the stomach acid and burning sensation.
If the pregnant woman suffers from any oral infections such as tooth decay, cavities, dental caries or so, there is a chance of salivation increasing in such scenarios and being excessive.
Being exposed to some toxic chemicals might cause the body to react in a manner of producing more saliva than usual.
Specific medications namely anticonvulsants, lithium, tranquillizers, and so on, are known to react with the salivary glands causing them to produce excessive saliva.

Benefits of Increased Salivation

Some of the benefits of excess saliva production during pregnancy are given below –

Increased salivation works directly in neutralizing stomach acids that can cause a burning or irritating sensation.
Saliva in the mouth is a natural defence against bacteria that can harm the teeth.
The major function of saliva is that it starts the digestion process right in the mouth, helping the stomach and intestine break down the food easily.
With vitamin supplements or so, one may experience a dry mouth. Salivation helps keep the mouth lubricated and wet.

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.

Try making some dietary changes such as removing carbohydrate-rich or starch-based from your diet.
Visit your dentist and check for any infections that might be present in your mouth. Certain gum- related problems could result in excessive production of saliva.

Re-plan your meal times by having smaller meals at frequent intervals.
Brush your teeth often and use a mouthwash. Using a mouthwash intermittently through the day can help with the saliva.
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth wet. Keep a bottle handy and take small sips frequently. Not only will it keep your saliva in check but also keep you hydrated
Chew sugarless gums or mints to help with the swallowing of saliva.
Take an ice cube and suck on it for some time. Your mouth will feel numb and will produce less saliva for some time.
Try chewing on lime or ginger to reduce the salivation. Consult your doctor for the same.
Add a lot of crunchy and fibrous fruits and vegetables in your diet.
If swallowing the saliva starts makes you nauseous, spit it out.
When eating biscuits, go for dry and plain ones that help soak the saliva.
If this escalates to severe vomiting, visit your doctor immediately to get medications for it.

Can You Prevent Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?

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.

When Can You Expect This to Stop?

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.

When to Consult the Doctor

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.

Also Read: Change In Urine Colour during Pregnancy

Excessive salivation during pregnancy is common, especially at the early stages. You may salivate more and, at times, even drool when pregnant. Hypersalivation is also known by other medical terms such as ptyalism gravidarum and sialorrhea (1).

The condition may occur along with nausea and vomiting. Read this post as we tell you whether or not it is normal for pregnant women to salivate more and how to manage the condition with or without medications.

Increased Salivation In Pregnancy: Is It Common?

Excess salivation is common during the first stage of pregnancy, although it reduces as the months pass by. However, if you have nausea, it may continue in the second trimester as well, and sometimes lasts until the delivery.

An average person produces around 60 ounces of saliva in a day (2). When pregnant, this amount goes up. You may notice the change if you are salivating more than usual or have difficulty swallowing the saliva because of nausea or vomiting. Either way, it is normal.

When In Pregnancy Does Hypersalivation Usually Start?

Increased saliva production begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, usually in the second or third week (1). For some women, it reduces by the beginning of the second trimester. But for others, the condition persists throughout their pregnancy and disappears after delivery.

The origin or exact cause of excessive salivation during pregnancy is unknown, although it is most likely due to the hormonal changes. In any case, there is absolutely no need to worry about this condition.

Causes Of Hypersalivation In Pregnancy

Some of the causes that might lead to excessive saliva during pregnancy are:

Nausea: This is a common symptom that you will experience in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Nausea may prevent you from swallowing, leading to an excessive build-up of the saliva. Morning sickness that is severe and lasting longer than usual is called hyperemesis gravidarum (3) (4).

Medications: One of the side effects of certain medicines is the excessive production of saliva. Anticonvulsants, tranquilizers, and anticholinergic medicines intervene with the functioning of the salivary glands and block parasympathetic innervation, resulting in more saliva production (5).

Heartburn: Acid reflux or heartburn is a condition when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus opens, allowing the stomach acid to move into the esophagus. When it occurs during pregnancy, women experience throat irritation or a burning sensation in the chest. The acid activates the salivary glands, which increases the production of saliva (6). Even if you have certain allergies, you may experience ptyalism (7).

Hormonal changes: Excessive saliva is produced more during early pregnancy and the third trimester. Doctors say it could be due to hormonal changes, but there is no proper scientific evidence to prove it.

Oral infection: Optimal oral health is essential for pregnant women. But healthy pregnant women can also have oral cavity problems that might increase the risks of oral infection. This may lead to ptyalism, too (8).

Irritants or chemicals: Exposure to certain toxins and chemicals could be responsible for ptyalism during pregnancy. Also, certain medications for oral infections or any vulnerability to pesticides could result in increased salivation. This usually occurs when mercury is present in the medications/substances you are exposed to (9).

Maternal anxiety: Pregnancy is a time when women experience physical discomfort and mental anxiety. They tend to swallow less saliva when they are anxious, and this feels like excess saliva is being produced (10).

Irrespective of what is causing excessive saliva in pregnancy, you shouldn’t be worried, for it is a common symptom and will subside eventually. Increased salivation could even be good for you sometimes.

Are There Any Benefits Of Excess Saliva?

Yes, hypersalivation helps manage a few concerns that are common during pregnancy.

Helps in digestion: Indigestion is pretty common in pregnancy. Increased salivation aids in digestion by helping to break down starch into maltose and then into glucose (11).

Neutralizes acids: Saliva contains phosphorus and calcium and is considered a relative of blood. It neutralizes the acids and maintains gastroesophageal reflux, and eventually soothes heartburn, which is a common symptom of pregnancy (6).

Lubricates mouth: Dry mouth is one of the common symptoms during early pregnancy (12). The production of mucus with increased salivation lubricates the mouth and prevents food from sticking to the gums and teeth (13).

Oral hygiene: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are likely to increase the risks of oral infections. However, excessive saliva moistens the mouth, keeps away germs and bad breath, and prevents gum diseases and tooth decay (14).

Natural defense against bacteria: Oral infections and bacteria may form plaque in the mouth (15). The salivary glands collect nitrate (from blood) and help in fighting bacteria, hence acting as a natural defense against agents that could harm gums and teeth.

Although excessive salivation is good, it becomes irritating when accompanied by nausea and morning sickness. There are, however, ways to treat it.

How Do You Get Rid Of Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?

There are several remedies you can try to get relief from hypersalivation.

Always keep a bottle of water at your side and stay hydrated at all times

Brush your teeth twice a day. Also, rinse using a mouthwash as many times as you can during the day, to get rid of the excess saliva.

Reduce the amount of starchy food in your diet and eat well-balanced meals. Try to have small meals at regular intervals throughout the day. Also, you can add fibrous vegetables and fruits to your diet.

Suck on sugarless chewing gum or candy to swallow the extra saliva. While this won’t bring down the production of saliva, it will make swallowing a lot easier. Sucking on ice cubes is another trick that makes your mouth numb for a while and pauses the secretion of saliva.

Munch on dry biscuits, it can help soak the extra saliva in your mouth.

If you have difficulty swallowing the excessive saliva, spit out in a cup, tissue, or washcloth, and then throw it.

Treating ptyalism with drugs is considered challenging, as the exact cause is not known. Medications such as belladonna and phenothiazine can be taken, although they have certain side-effects such as constipation and dry mouth (16).

Some more questions related to saliva during pregnancy are answered next.

1. Can I prevent excessive saliva in pregnancy?

No, increased secretion of saliva is a natural, short-term condition in pregnancy and cannot be prevented. There is no need to worry about it since it doesn’t affect your baby in any way (17). Keep calm, use natural remedies that offer relief, and try distracting yourself.

2. When does the production of excess saliva end?

Just like the other symptoms of pregnancy, increased salivation is unpleasant and disturbing but tends to go away after the first trimester. However, for some women, it may continue into the second and third trimester as well, fading completely after the delivery.

3. Is it necessary to visit the doctor?

If the condition is not creating any problems other than causing a little discomfort, then you do not have to visit the doctor. However, if it is becoming intense and resulting in excessive vomiting, you should consult your doctor to know how to manage the condition better and look for other contributing causes.

Excessive saliva during pregnancy is common, and it is mostly caused by nausea and vomiting, especially in the early stages. Therefore, there is no need to be concerned about this condition. In fact, it may even help address other common pregnancy issues such as indigestion, heartburn, and mouth infections. However, if it irritates you and interferes with your daily life, you could try some helpful salivation prevention and reduction measures. For example, staying hydrated, brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, and avoiding starchy meals might be beneficial.

References:

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Dr. Kofi Kwaw-Asante runs a private practice in South Africa, as an obstretrician and gynecologist. He obtained his undergraduate medical degree in 2009 and masters in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2016, both from the University of Pretoria. In 2017, Dr Kwaw-Asante founded his private practice Life Fourways. He is registered with the Health Professions Council Of South Africa (HPCSA) and... more