What is Ptyalism gravidarum? Everything you neeed to know about excess saliva in pregnancy

Woman with ptyalism gravidarum spitting into a sink

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

Ptyalism gravidarum is a less common pregnancy symptom, but it's definitely one of the most uncomfortable ones. It happens when your body produces too much saliva, often during the first trimester. Luckily, for most soon-to-be mamas, it goes away after a while, but it can still leave you feeling pretty icky in the meantime. So, we've gathered all the info on excessive saliva during pregnancy and some tips to help you feel more comfortable.

When it comes to pregnancy symptoms, there aren't many that expectant mums actually enjoy. With your hormones all over the place, every part of your body and mind is affected—including how much saliva you produce. Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms, and it can make excess saliva worse since nausea often makes it harder to swallow, especially if you're suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness)

What is ptyalism gravidarum?

Ptyalism gravidarum (also known as hypersalivation) is a condition that causes people to produce and excess of saliva during pregnancy. Believe it or not, we all swallow about two pints of saliva every single day without even noticing. But for pregnant women who are suffering from ptyalism gravidarum, swallowing saliva can be tricky, causing it to build up in the mouth and throat, which might lead to drooling.

Why is my mouth producing so much saliva suddenly in the morning?

Hypersalivation and pregnancy don't always go hand in hand; there are several reasons why you may be experiencing an excess of saliva. It could be caused by:
• Dehydration - It is incredibly important to make sure you are drinking enough water in your pregnancy
Acid reflux
• Sinus congestion
• Sleeping with your mouth open

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When does excess saliva stop in pregnancy?

It can vary depending on the individual, but generally speaking, ptyalism gravidarum tends to diminish after the first trimester (conception to 12 weeks). Some people won't experience it at all, whilst others may get it later on in their pregnancy or suffer with it throughout.

How do you get rid of ptyalism during pregnancy?

Currently, there's no hypersalivation treatment, so it's recommended to use tissues, napkins or cups to collect any dribbles. You can also try to minimise the amount of saliva your mouth is producing by:
• Brush your teeth regularly and use mouthwash
• Drooling can be linked to posture. Make sure your head is upright and facing forward.
• Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water
• Chewing gum
• Sucking on hard-boiled sweets
• Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Avoiding spicy or sour foods
• Drink papaya juice, dark grape juice, or sage tea as they can all help.

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What medication is used for ptyalism gravidarum?

While it's not recommended to take medication for this condition, there are some ptyalism gravidarum treatments available that healthcare providers may prescribe you in severe cases. Phenothiazine and belladonna have been used to reduce saliva, but the side effects can include a dry mouth and constipation in pregnancy.

It is important to speak to a healthcare professional if you think you have hypersalivation and you are struggling with it.

Can excessive saliva during pregnancy predict whether I'm having a boy or a girl?

There are a lot of old wives' tales about pregnancy symptoms and predicting gender. Some believe excessive saliva, can help predict whether you’re having a boy or girl. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this unfortunately. So, while it’s fun to guess, it doesn't hold much weight; the only reliable way to know your baby’s gender is through an ultrasound (this can be done at your 20-week anomaly scan) or other medical tests.

Hannah Carroll is our Senior Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.

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