Excessive Salivation During Pregnancy

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 20^th 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.