Excessive saliva build-up in the mouth in pregnancy, sometimes called ptyalism gravidarum, is one of those strange pregnancy symptoms some moms-to-be experience. It's relatively rare, and it's most often reported by women who also have morning sickness.
Here's what you need to know if you're experiencing excess saliva during pregnancy, including a few tips that might help keep this symptom in check.
When does excess saliva during pregnancy generally start?
If your mouth is filling up with more saliva than usual, it's most likely happening early in your pregnancy, during the first three months.
As strange or unpleasant as it sounds, there is a reason for this odd symptom: Experts suspect this is the body's way of protecting your mouth, teeth and throat from the corrosive effects of stomach acid.
A combination of factors in pregnancy increases the amount of reflux — which may be happening even if you're not feeling sick — and the excess saliva helps to buffer these destructive effects. (It's still important to maintain excellent oral hygiene and visit your dentist for cleanings during pregnancy!)
Whatever the cause, the good news is that excessive saliva isn't serious, but there's no known cure except delivery, although most cases end well before then.
What causes excess saliva during pregnancy?
Experts aren't sure, but the most likely culprit for excess saliva during pregnancy is the one blamed for so many other charming pregnancy woes: those pregnancy hormones.[1]
As if feeling sick to your stomach weren't enough, that extra saliva may pool in your mouth, adding to your queasiness and upping the chances that you'll be turned off by your next meal.
What can I do about excess saliva during pregnancy?
You won't be able to get that extra saliva during pregnancy to evaporate, but you can try to get some relief by:
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- Sucking on ice
- Using a minty mouthwash
- Brushing your teeth often with a minty toothpaste — it's also good for dental care, which is extra important during pregnancy
- Chewing sugarless gum
- Eating or drinking something sour, like sucking on lemon slices
- Carrying tissues and a wipe towel with you at all times, so you can blot any saliva that escapes from your mouth
Don't resort to spitting as a solution; doing so excessively can lead to electrolyte imbalances, so it's best to try another tactic.
Can I prevent excess saliva during pregnancy?
Alas, there is no known magic pill or prenatal habit known to prevent excessive drooling during pregnancy. Just try not to be too upset or grossed out if it happens to you. Keep a sense of humor, and know that this, too, shall pass.
When can I expect excess saliva to end?
Like many pregnancy symptoms, this one is both completely annoying and completely harmless. It's also temporary, and should pass after the first trimester of pregnancy, though it may persist longer for some women.
No matter what, it will disappear after your baby is born for sure and probably sooner. Until then, tell yourself it's cool to drool.
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