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). Image: iStock
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). Image: Shutterstock
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. 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. Some more questions related to saliva during pregnancy are answered next.
