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What Are the Causes of Excess Saliva during Pregnancy?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Scientists aren’t sure of the exact causes of increased saliva during pregnancy. There is, however, evidence to suggest that increased saliva production can occur because of pregnancy-related hormone changes. Pregnancy symptoms that involve stomach acids can contribute as well. Additionally, some pregnant women may think their bodies are producing more saliva when, in fact, they are just taking more notice of it.

Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone, for example, can cause a woman to produce more saliva while expecting a baby. The effect of hormone changes on saliva production is usually only temporary, however. Some women notice that it is worse in the first three months of pregnancy, when hormone fluctuations are most prevalent, or during the last trimester, when the growing uterus crowds other abdominal organs.

Hormone fluxuations can cause a woman to produce more saliva while pregnant.
Hormone fluxuations can cause a woman to produce more saliva while pregnant.

In some situations, a woman’s saliva production remains the same, but she feels as if it has increased because she is paying more attention to it. For instance, a woman who is dealing with morning sickness may spend a significant amount of time feeling nauseated and wondering whether she will vomit. This can make her more aware of the feeling of saliva in her mouth. In fact, some women even find that taking notice of the saliva’s presence makes nausea worse. Additionally, women who experience severe morning sickness, also referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum, are more likely to report excess saliva during pregnancy.

Heartburn, which may occur often during pregnancy, causes an excess of saliva.
Heartburn, which may occur often during pregnancy, causes an excess of saliva.

A woman may also have this issue when she avoids swallowing. Some women find that swallowing makes them feel more nauseated or may even bring on an episode of vomiting. To deal with this, some women attempt to swallow less saliva during pregnancy, which makes them feel as if they are producing excessive amounts of it. Sometimes they spit the saliva out, and though it can seem like a lot, most people produce about a quart or two (0.94 to 1.89 liters) of saliva daily, even when they are not pregnant.

Pregnant women who experience severe morning sickness may notice excess saliva.
Pregnant women who experience severe morning sickness may notice excess saliva.

Gastrointestinal changes can also cause increased production of saliva while a woman is expecting. For example, heartburn occurs when acidic contents of a person’s stomach reverse into the esophagus. The acid causes the affected person to experience a feeling of burning in her throat and chest. As a result of the acid, the body stimulates the production of more saliva and increases the saliva's bicarbonate content. Since bicarbonate is alkaline and the opposite of acidic, it helps reduce the discomfort heartburn causes.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@ysmina-- Can you swallow?

I can't because there is just too much saliva. If I swallow, I will get sick. It's hard to talk too. I have to constantly spit. It's gross.

fBoyle

@ysmina-- As far as I know, excess saliva is listed as an early pregnancy symptom along with tender breasts, nausea, dizziness and blurred vision. I have all of them!

I have excess saliva too, but I think mine is connected to morning sickness. I feel like I get more saliva just before I throw up. Or I might be throwing up because of the saliva too, I'm not sure.

ysmina

I'm seven weeks pregnant and I definitely have a saliva issue. I actually don't have much morning sickness at all, it's just saliva. I'm certain it's because of fluctuating hormones. Eating plain crackers and drinking water seems to help.

My sister said she was the same way during her first trimester. I hope it goes away like it did with her.

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    • Hormone fluxuations can cause a woman to produce more saliva while pregnant.
      By: Adrian Costea
      Hormone fluxuations can cause a woman to produce more saliva while pregnant.
    • Heartburn, which may occur often during pregnancy, causes an excess of saliva.
      By: hartphotography
      Heartburn, which may occur often during pregnancy, causes an excess of saliva.
    • Pregnant women who experience severe morning sickness may notice excess saliva.
      By: Gajus
      Pregnant women who experience severe morning sickness may notice excess saliva.
    • Excess saliva may be worse during the first three months of pregnancy.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Excess saliva may be worse during the first three months of pregnancy.
    • Excess saliva may occur because of pregnancy-related hormone changes.
      By: polinaloves
      Excess saliva may occur because of pregnancy-related hormone changes.