Excessive Saliva During Pregnancy: Why It Happens & How to Manage It
07 Mar 2025
Pregnancy brings many changes to your body—some expected, like morning sickness, and others surprising, like excessive saliva (also called ptyalism or sialorrhea). If you feel like you're constantly swallowing spit or needing to spit it out, you’re not alone! Many moms-to-be experience this unusual symptom, especially in the first trimester.
While excessive saliva is harmless, it can be uncomfortable and even make morning sickness worse. Let’s explore why it happens, when it might go away, and what you can do to manage it.
What Causes Excessive Saliva During Pregnancy?
Doctors aren’t entirely sure why pregnancy increases saliva production, but several factors may contribute:1. Hormonal Changes
- Just like morning sickness and food aversions, excessive saliva may be linked to pregnancy hormones.
- Estrogen and progesterone can affect the glands that produce saliva.
2. Nausea and Morning Sickness
- Many women with severe nausea feel unable to swallow saliva, making it build up in the mouth.
- Some believe excessive saliva is the body’s way of protecting the throat and teeth from stomach acid.
3. Heartburn and Acid Reflux
- Increased saliva may be your body’s natural response to acid reflux, which is common during pregnancy.
- Saliva helps neutralize stomach acid, but too much can feel overwhelming.
4. Changes in Taste and Smell
- Pregnancy can heighten your sense of taste and smell, sometimes making saliva production increase in response to certain foods or odors.
5. Dehydration
- Surprisingly, being slightly dehydrated may signal your body to produce more saliva to keep your mouth moist.
6. Irritation in the Mouth or Throat
- Some women experience gum sensitivity or inflammation during pregnancy, which may trigger more saliva.
When Does Excess Saliva Go Away?
- Most women experience it in the first trimester (often alongside morning sickness).
- For some, it disappears by the second trimester as hormones stabilize.
- Others may have it throughout pregnancy, though it usually lessens over time.
How to Manage Excess Saliva During Pregnancy
If extra saliva is making you uncomfortable, try these simple remedies to reduce or manage it:Drink More Water
- Sipping water frequently can help keep saliva levels balanced.
- Try cold or flavored water (with lemon or mint) to make it more refreshing.
Suck on Sugar-Free Candy or Chew Gum
- This encourages swallowing and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
- Look for mint or citrus flavors, which may help dry the mouth slightly.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
- An empty stomach can make nausea and saliva buildup worse.
- Stick to light, protein-rich snacks like nuts, yogurt, or whole grains.
Brush Your Teeth Often
- A fresh, clean mouth can make saliva production feel less overwhelming.
- Try a mild toothpaste if strong flavors trigger nausea.
Avoid Starchy or Sugary Foods
- These can increase saliva production.
- Opt for lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains instead.
Spit It Out (If You Need To!)
- Some women find relief by spitting into a tissue or cup rather than constantly swallowing.
- If excessive saliva is making you gag, this can help ease discomfort.
When to Call Your Doctor
Excess saliva is usually harmless, but in rare cases, it may be linked to: Severe nausea and vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)- If you’re losing weight, dehydrated, or unable to keep food down, call your doctor.
- If you have pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, see your dentist or doctor to rule out infections.
