As you enter your first trimester of pregnancy, you might experience common symptoms like fatigue, heartburn, tender breasts, exhaustion, morning sickness and food cravings. However, you might also experience some unexpected symptoms like Ptyalism.
Just what is Ptyalism? It’s a condition where your body creates too much saliva. Read our helpful guide to learn more about the first-semester symptom and tips to make yourself more comfortable.
What is Ptyalism Gravidarum?
The origin of Ptyalism Gravidarum is unknown. However, some scientists believe hormonal changes and heartburn are to blame. Studies show the condition accompanies many women who have excessive nausea and vomiting. Morning sickness may cause the increased production of saliva. When pregnant women feel nauseous, they try not to swallow their saliva leading to increased levels.
Ptyalism is often an unexpected symptom that accompanies the first trimester of pregnancy. The good news is the condition doesn’t harm your baby’s health. It can, however, be quite uncomfortable to experience symptoms of excessive saliva. You may notice you need to spit additional saliva into a cup or keep a tissue handy to wipe your mouth. Don’t be ashamed to keep these items present if required–do all you can to manage your symptoms.
How to Handle Symptoms of Ptyalism
At this point, there’s no cure for Ptyalism. Nevertheless, there are ways to limit the symptoms of excessive saliva.
- Brush and Floss: Continue to brush your teeth daily and floss once in the evening. Keeping your oral health in check will remove the acids created by nausea or vomiting. It will also eliminate any plaque build-up.
- Use Mouth Wash: Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free solution wash several times a day. Using mouth wash will cleanse any lingering bacteria and acids.
- Chew Gum: Try chewing sugar-free gum to limit your saliva production. Using gum can also make it easier to swallow saliva.
- Use Candy: Suck on hard, sugar-free candy to diminish your saliva levels during the day. Doing so can make it much easier to swallow.
- Be Aware of Your Diet: As much as possible, keep your diet healthy during your first trimester. You may be craving the oddest foods during your pregnancy, but try to limit starches, like pasta and white grain, as they can require additional saliva for digestion. You can also try to eat smaller but more frequent meals.
- Drink More Water: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will cleanse your mouth of the additional saliva. It will also help you stay hydrated and healthy.
Contact your OB or health professional if you notice your Ptyalism symptoms continue despite your best efforts. You can also refer to your dentist for additional health tips on managing the condition.
A Final Word on Ptyalism
Know that your Pytalism symptoms won’t last forever. Most women report a reduction in their saliva production after the first trimester, especially when their morning sickness symptoms decline. Best of all, Pytalism won’t harm your baby at all.
Ptyalism An Uncommon Pregnancy Symptom
Now that you know the fundamentals about Ptyalism, you’ll be able to recognize if you have this less common pregnancy symptom. Watch for elevated saliva levels and feelings of nausea. Take steps to manage Ptyalism if it develops during your pregnancy.
