Pregnancy made me produce so much saliva… I didn’t know what to do with it.

This is a problem many pregnant women are shy to ask about… but it can be very uncomfortable. A mum asked me:

Q: Good evening doc, thank you for the wonderful work you do. Please, how do I reduce excessive saliva in my first trimester?

A: You are definitely not alone.

In pregnancy, some women experience increased saliva production, often alongside nausea and vomiting (morning sickness).

Interestingly, for many women, myself included during my pregnancy days😄, managing the nausea also helps reduce the salivation.

Why does this happen? Normally, we produce a lot of saliva daily but swallow it unconsciously.

However, in pregnancy:
• Saliva production may increase
• Nausea may make swallowing uncomfortable
So you suddenly become very aware of it.

What may help:
• Eat small, frequent meals – an empty stomach makes nausea (and salivation) worse
• Try something tart – a few drops of lemon in water, lime, or tart gum can help “reset”😊 the mouth – this worked very well for me.
• Avoid triggers – strong smells, fatty and greasy foods
• Cold foods may be easier – they give off less smell
• Stay hydrated – sip water throughout the day
• Get fresh air and rest

A personal note:
Some people recommend chewing gum, drinking water frequently, or using mouthwash.
Interestingly, these actually made things worse for me – even triggering vomiting 😄
So, the key is: Find what works for your body

If you find yourself craving or eating clay (nzu), this may be a sign of iron deficiency.
Please see your doctor.

And one more thing…
This phase can be quite uncomfortable, but it is usually temporary.
For women going through it, what you need most is support and a little patience. Let your medical team know too and let them guide you.

For my mums, ‘Did you experience excessive saliva or nausea in pregnancy? What helped you?’