WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Excessive saliva, a pregnancy symptom

Excessive saliva
Some pregnant women may experience excessive salivation, also known as ptyalism. You may find yourself constantly spitting or feeling the need to swallow more frequently than usual.

Although it's not clear exactly why this happens, it's believed to be related to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
While it may be uncomfortable, rest assured that this symptom is nothing to worry about. It seems to be related to morning sickness in early pregnancy.
Prevent and care
While it might be bothersome, there are some simple remedies to try.
  • There's no foolproof way to prevent excessive saliva during pregnancy, as it's often hormonally driven. 
  • To manage it, consider carrying tissues or a spit cup to discreetly manage excess saliva. 
  • Stay hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene to minimize discomfort.
Excessive saliva, also known as hypersalivation or ptyalism, can be experienced by some pregnant women, though it's less common, affecting about 10% of expectant mothers.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
If it really bothers you, check with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to manage this symptom and ensure it's not a sign of a more serious condition.
Top Asked Questions
Why does excessive saliva occur during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes can increase saliva production, leading to this symptom.

Is excessive saliva a sign of a problem during pregnancy?

While it can be uncomfortable, it's usually not a cause for concern. However, if it becomes severe or persistent, consult with a healthcare provider.

Are there any remedies for managing excessive saliva during pregnancy?

Carrying tissues or a spit cup and practicing good oral hygiene are common ways to manage the symptom.

View Sources
All I Need to Know
T
Trina
30 Oct 2023

This excessive saliva is so new to me. I’m not the spitting type but there is soooo much . When does this symptom stop ?lol

2 comments
M
Maricka
Girl nvr! That's how I know I'm pregnant I spit nonstop
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
D
Diamond
Never. This is my 3rd and everytime I’m always spitting 😩 I keep a jar next to my bed so I don’t have to keep getting up 😖
27 Mar 2024

Answer


V
Val
3 Aug 2023

I'm 7 weeks & 2 days pregnant From first finding out I was pregnant and until yesterday I was feeling the symptoms of pregnancy: breast tenderness, sore to touch, all day nausea with no vomit, aversion to drinking water which was a new to me... But this morning and throughout the day I have noticed everything vanished and no more breast tender or sore, no nausea but I do have excessive saliva. I dont have my next appointment till August 29th😭 I'm terrified. I already had a miscarriage this year in March

2 comments
B
BADAPPLEALIC
Good morning my beautiful friend I understand your scared but please just trust that whatever the lord knows is best for you, he will do it to protect you. I am praying for you please don’t lose hope everything will be okay❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Katelynn
Some days are better than others you might just be having a good day girlfriend 🫶🏼🩷 I, too had a miscarriage this year so I understand why you’re anxious😭
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Amira
25 Jun 2023

Hello mommas ! Need some advice. I’ve been dealing with excessive saliva. My mouth gets full every 30 seconds and I have to spit. I carry a plastic container with me all day to spit. I cannot sleep because of that. My next appointment is july 11th so I have to wait. Any advice in the meantime? :(

1 comments
J
Jallys
Usually peppermint candy, mint gum or eating something helps me out. But it is a pregnancy thing sadly 😩
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

K
Kristin
5 May 2023

Hi I'm a first time mom 8 weeks and a few days and I have been having a problem with excessive saliva feels like I'm drooling all the time I don't know how to get it to stop. It makes me feel so gross. Anyone else have this problem or any solution to get it to stop

2 comments
M
Mel
Maybe try eating saltine crackers or dry foods that require a lot of saliva to eat, I had that problem a couple weeks ago but it's mostly stopped for me 🤍
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Kristin
thank you it's been frustrating and making me feel bla I'm glad it will stop at some point and that I'm not the only one
27 Mar 2024

Answer


S
Sarah
23 Nov 2022

Is anyone else producing an excessive amount of saliva or is it just me??? It's unbelievable how much saliva I have recently 😂

1 comments
H
Haley🤍🤰🏻
I have with this one and my son. Mamas with a lot of morning sickness tend to produce more saliva than normal.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

D
Dede💓
31 Oct 2022

The excessive amount of saliva and all this spitting, Ugh I can’t take it anymore 😩😣

4 comments
A
A Mommi of 2
I thought I was the only one
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
D
Dede💓
Nope. It’s horrible lol
27 Mar 2024

Answer


💙
💙KALIS💙
13 May 2022

Nausea 😫 ugh if the baby dont like the food i eat its comming right back up! With my first 2 i had excessive saliva… i feel is gon start up with this one!!! What did u ladies do for excessive Saliva ? Plz help

4 comments
C
China
I chew gum for the saliva , sugar free
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
💙
💙KALIS💙
Ok thank you 🥰
27 Mar 2024

Answer


T
Toni
23 Jan 2022

So sick of being sick!! 16 weeks and still struggling with morning sickness fatigue excessive saliva and the worst headaches!!! When will this be over?! I've lost almost 30lbs went from 186 to 159. I'm on 5 different prescriptions and the prenatal. I'm also tired of complaining to family about it when they're just so excited for the baby! It's hard to be excited when I don't even feel like myself 😔.

1 comments
C
Cary
I'm Sorry you're having a hard time mama! Unfortunately, if you are feeling like this beginning your second trimester, it's likely it'll stick all the way through till the end. 🥺 I still struggle with morning sickness too. And I have a dumb cold or something going on right now... So the headaches are there and fatigue. I've pretty much been in bed all week.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Toni
yes I'll even take 75% right now!!! But I hope you start feeling better soon as well!! We got this girl!!!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


T
Tylicia
14 Dec 2021

One of my pregnancy symptoms is excessive saliva every time I turn around I have to spit this is killing me!!

0 comments
M
May
Wanna trade I have bad nausea :)
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

S
Sophia
11 Dec 2021

This excessive saliva is so annoying at this point 😑 and I definitely don't wanna be collecting spit .

12 comments
S
Sophia
I did read about that gum will help. And that explains why I have been eating ice. Thank you 😊
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
May
Hahaha! I haven’t experienced this yet my mouth is dry asf, wanna trade? 😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer


Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms