Saliva is a clear liquid
secreted by the salivary glands present in the mouth. The autonomic nervous
system controls this secretion. One of the common symptoms of pregnancy is excess salivation or ptyalism, which is usually
encountered during the first three months. The article explores the causes of
this phenomenon and suggests measures to cope with it.
Causes of Excess Salivation
Though no specific causes
have been determined, a few plausible ones that could be responsible are as
follows:
1. Hormonal changes
Most often women face excessive salivation during pregnancy as an effect of
fluctuations taking place in their hormone levels. Elevated estrogen and
progesterone levels in the body during pregnancy trigger the salivary glands, thus,
causing excessive salivation.
2. Nausea
Excessive nausea might make
you swallow less, resulting in saliva getting collected in your mouth. The
condition of Ptyalism or hypersalivation is a common occurrence for women who
suffer from Hyperemesis Gravidarum that is a more severe form of morning
sickness.
3. Heartburn
The acidic content of your
stomach often acts as an irritant to the esophagus, causing a burning sensation
similar to heartburn. In order to neutralize this acidic effect, the acid
sensors present in the esophagus activate the salivary glands into producing saliva
that has a high concentration of bicarbonate, which is alkaline in nature.
What you need to know about
it
Saliva generation is a normal
activity that your body performs. A human body can generate up to two to four
pints of saliva daily. Though building up of excess saliva during pregnancy can be uncomfortable for you, there
are certain beneficial functions that it performs:
- Acts as a lubricant for your mouth
- Aids in counterbalancing acidity
- Contains proteins that have antibacterial and antifungal agents that protect your mouth and teeth
- Consists of enzymes that aid food digestion
How to deal with excess
salivation
For tackling the
unpleasantness that follows excessive production of saliva, you could try the
following measures:
- Keep a cup handy in which you can spit
- Use soft paper towels to clean your mouth
- Keep some ice in your mouth or rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Brush your teeth with mint-flavoured toothpaste
- Suck on a lime, hard candy, or chew on some sugarless gum
- Avoid excessively starchy or sugary food
However, if you experience
that the problem persists to an extent that it interferes with your life or
sleep, you should see your doctor who can help alleviate it through medication.
This condition lasts
throughout the first trimester and reduces by the 14th week of your pregnancy. However, in some cases it may continue up to the 20th
week.
It is a phenomenon commonly
seen as one of the symptoms of early pregnancy and does not affect your baby.
Should you need any further information
on childbirth or post pregnancy tips, visit Pampers India to guide
you through the most beautiful journey of motherhood.
