Excessive salivation is also known as ptyalism. During pregnancy, some women feel that they are salivating more than usual especially those dealing with morning sickness. A few women need to spit the saliva out to deal with it. This condition can be very uncomfortable but wont hurt your baby.

The exact cause of excessive salivation during pregnancy is unknown. However,  it may be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Nausea can also make it difficult for women to swallow saliva and this can cause it to build up in the mouth. Excess salivation is common in women with a severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum .

Heartburn  may also result in producing more saliva. This is because when the acidic content of the stomach backs up, they irritate the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. This triggers the acid sensors in the esophagus to produce more saliva which is alkaline. The saliva neutralizes the gastric content anytime you swallow.

NOTE : The salivary glands usually produce one and a half quarts of saliva daily. However,  because swallowing is unconscious and constant  you do not notice it. Having more saliva in your mouth could mean you are swallowing less or making more saliva or a combination of the two.

Some other causes of increased salivation include :

• tooth ache and other oral infection
• irritants such as smoke
• exposure to toxins such a mercury
• certain medications and medical problems

How can I deal with excessive salivation during pregnancy .

Let you health care provider known your concerns . He can try to help by relieving the underlying causes such as nausea,  vomiting and   heart burn . Stop smoking if you are a smoker. You may also want to see your dentist for an oral checkup.

There is really not much you can do about excess salivation. However these steps may offer some relief.

• brush your teeth daily and use a mouth wash several times during the day
• stay well hydrated by drinking lots of water. Take frequent sips throughout the whole day
• eat frequent small healthy meals
• avoid starchy foods or lots of carbohydrates
• chew sugarless gum or suck on hard candy to make it easier to swallow the saliva you produce. Avoid sour candy and gum, these can stimulate saliva production
• suck on lemon or lime. You can also put  a few drops of lemon or lime essential oil on a tissue and sniff to relieve nausea
• try sucking on ice cubes

If you just can’t  swallow the saliva, you can spit in a tissue, wash cloth or cap. Be sure to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.

This condition disappears or lessens as morning sickness subsides. However, just like morning sickness, some women tend to have it throughout the pregnancy.