Is it normal to have excessive saliva during pregnancy

See all in Life as a Parent. See all in Video. You might also like You might also like. Infections to watch out for in pregnancy. Can stopping smoking cold turkey harm my baby? Get the BabyCentre app. Brazil Canada Germany India. Connect with us. This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only.

If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. By Diana Duong October 16, Any pregnant woman knows swollen ankles, nausea and backaches are part of the package, but what about the constant saliva pooling in your mouth or the overwhelming urge to clean?

Here are some of the weird and wonderfully common symptoms that can arise before your baby arrives. Sign up to get weekly email updates on your baby ». During the first trimester, many women find that saliva builds up in their mouths—sometimes to the point of interfering with talking. In the meantime, try chewing sugarless gum or using mouthwash to help keep both saliva and nausea under control.

Changing hormone levels—the culprit behind most pregnancy symptoms—can increase blood flow to your nostrils and leave your gums feeling swollen and sensitive, especially during the second trimester. In a recent study, Dutch researchers found that bleeding gums are one of the most common oral changes pregnant women face.

Certain irritants, like smoke, may also cause increased saliva as can tooth decay and other oral infections, some medications, exposure to toxins such as mercury and pesticides , and some medical conditions.

There may not be much else you can do, although some women report that the following measures help: Brush your teeth, and use mouthwash several times a day. Eat small, well-balanced meals often, and don't eat a lot of starchy food. Drink plenty of water. Keep a water bottle handy, and take small sips frequently. This also helps you stay hydrated. Swallow any excess saliva if you can. Also, try sucking on hard candy or chewing sugarless gum. This won't make you produce less saliva, but it will make it easier to swallow the saliva you do produce.

If swallowing your saliva makes you feel nauseated, spit out the excess into a tissue, washcloth, or cup. Learn more: 12 icky pregnancy side effects Stuffy nose during pregnancy Bleeding gums during pregnancy. Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.

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