Can’t stop spitting during pregnancy? Read on.
Shortly after Jack was born, we attended a family reunion.
One of my cousins was pregnant, and I noticed that she was always carrying around a cup. She told us that it was because she had to keep spitting in it (I think to keep from throwing up). It is a common symptom of pregnancy. And it remains the first couple of months. Excessive saliva production creates a bad taste.
I battled with horrible morning sickness with Jack, but I never experienced that. It seemed kind of different, but anything is game when pregnancy is involved, so I didn’t think too much of it.
Well, when I got pregnant with Oliver, my morning sickness seemed to start right when I took that first pregnancy test – it was one of the first very early pregnancy signs I had!
And with that morning sickness came something that was even worse.
Excessive Salivation
Now, let’s get one thing straight – I’ve always had a little bit of extra saliva. Whenever I go to the dentist, they actually tell me (many, many times) how I have the most saliva they’ve ever seen a person have.
But usually, it doesn’t bother me. Thankfully.
However, there was something about my pregnancy with Oliver that seemed to make my salivating become a real problem.
It was horrible. I couldn’t swallow without feeling like I was going to throw up. And if I didn’t swallow, I felt such severe nausea that I was going to throw up every time.
So, the only solution was to spit.
And I carried around a spit cup or bowl with me everywhere.
It. Was. Disgusting.
Sometimes even looking at the cup made me throw up.
So if your experiencing excessive saliva during pregnancy (officially called Ptyalism) – know that you aren’t alone.
Don’t forget to join our pregnancy and postpartum Facebook group!
What causes excessive salivation during pregnancy?
I bet you can guess.
Hormones. Shifting hormone levels generates enormous production of saliva. The cause of all things wonderful during pregnancy 😉
Often, the hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to excessive salivating for no rhyme or reason.
If you are experienced pregnancy-induced nausea, these two can go hand and hand. I found that when I stopped throwing up as much with Oliver, my salivation decreased as well.
Before then, it felt like a vicious cycle. I would often throw up because the extra saliva was bothering me so much (hence why I carried around a “spit cup” until I was over 20 weeks pregnant! No shame ladies. No shame). You can read more about managing morning sickness here.
Here are a few other reasons why you might have more saliva during pregnancy:
- Smoking
- Oral infections – I actually had a lot of dental issues like tooth decay during my pregnancy with Oliver, so perhaps it was related to this!
- Environmental Toxins
- Exposure to mercury or other chemicals
It is more common in early pregnancy, though it can occur throughout the entire 40 weeks.
How to get rid of excessive saliva during pregnancy?
There is not much when it comes to medical treatment for morning sickness. However, mints, gum, or hard candy can help distract from the excess salivation. I think Preggie Pops are a great option.
Brushing your teeth frequently may also help. It’s also a better way to avoid bad breath – so get a good toothbrush! Though if you are like me, brushing teeth just equaled more throwing up an excessive spitting!
If you are experiencing heartburn during pregnancy, this may contribute to excess saliva. The increased acid may trigger salivation, which helps to neutralize the acid. You can treat this with an OTC antacid, such as TUMS or by drinking milk. However, if your heartburn is really bad, you can get a prescription from your physician.
Most of the time, excessive saliva during pregnancy is just annoying or makes you feel sick, and there aren’t many medical implications or clear explainations.
However, you are losing a liter of saliva, it can lead to dehydration. If you find that you are spitting a lot (especially if it’s in addition to vomiting), you need to make sure that you stay as hydrated as possible. Make sure you intake plenty of water throughout the day.
I know that it’s hard to stay hydrated when you can’t keep anything down, but make sure you are doing everything you can to prevent dehydration. Find some kind of liquid that you can keep down – such as Gatorade – and go with it!
Spitting While Pregnant Means It’s a Boy?
I always enjoy some good gender prediction tests – and this is one I just heard about! Apparently, if you spit a lot during pregnancy, it means it is a boy.
Well, Oliver is a boy. And my cousin who had this same issue had a boy. So as far as I can tell, this one is TOTALLY legit. There may be other explanations in the medical term but still, it’s fun to find out you are having a boy and diverting your mind from the nausea. If you ever face a serious condition, weight loss, or chronic conditions, please talk with medical experts.
As always, nothing in this post can or should replace the advice of a medical professional. I am not a doctor, nurse, or in any profession that has to do with giving birth. Just a mom who loves to research and share 🙂
Oh my goodness! This sounds miserable! I’m so sorry you had to go through that! I will definitely pin this to help anyone else going through this!
This comment is for “Katie” regarding ” excessive salivation” article, if you don’t mind me asking about your dental work…did you have it done while pregnant? I’m expecting and know that my oral health is not the best. Just curious. Thank you
Yes I did get it done during my pregnancy. The second trimester is the most ideal time.
Hi I’m 8weeks today and spitting seriously. No vomiting yet just spitting. With my first pregnancy ( had a girl) was vomiting seriously and spat after vomiting. Bt this is different. I don’t like the feeling at all. Any idea of when it will stop?
Hi ladies. Just wanted to ask if anyone of you still have this issue after giving birth? Mine doesn’t seem to go away and it it’s driving me up the wall. Not sure why this is happening but any advice would be a private’s it’s been 3 months since the birth. Thank you ladies
Do you have acid reflux at all? I believe it is connected to that.
Hi Katie, is it possible for one to be pregnant and same time be seeing her period too. Please how possible is that and has anyone experienced it before?
There are women who experience bleeding that appears to be a period. The only way to know is through a pregnancy test.
So i have to share. I’m going through the same thing with now with excessive spitting. I had it with my first and he was a boy and I am now 17 weeks pregnant with my second who’s also a boy! So maybe ptyalism is linked to having boys☺️
Thank you for this post though. I now know that I’m not alone.
Thanks for sharing!
I use to think I was alone with the spitting thing. Both pregnancies gave me a boy. I had bottles of spit, carried a bottle everywhere! Had one beside me when I slept oh, and the dehydration was so bad I stayed in the emergency room for iv fluids. The excess saliva was 1 of the very first signs of me knowing I was pregnant with my second boy. Well, now I’m am pregnant with #3 and I have not spat yet. When as with my first 2 I was spitting from week 6 until I gave birth. I’m 7 weeks now and the only pregnancy signs I’ve experienced thus far are tender boobs, cravings, missed cycle. I’ve thrown up at the most about 4 times. Other than that this has me wondering if it could possibly be my girl
I’m so glad I found this page, I have been close to losing my mind with this excessive spitting and felt I was the only one going through it! I am 19 weeks, praying for a boy! I find out what I’m having in 8 days but I feel in my heart this is the son I’ve been praying for, and that would make the spitting worth it!
This blog has been so helpful as Im struggling with this pregnancy. This is my second pregnancy and i have had hyperemesis gravidarum with both. Both the pregnancies were very hard, possibly the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. However, unlike my first pregnancy, there is also the excessive spitting that has been very troubling with this pregnancy. I have the most beautiful angelic girl with my first pregnancy and awaiting to find out what it will be with this.
With this excessive spitting, it has made it hard to socialise, go out or meet people. I constantly have saliva in my mouth and have to spit it in a bottle or cup which is so so so disgusting. I feel its starting to affect my mental health in addition to my physical health.
I was hoping it gets better by week 12, then 13 and now in week 16, its still not ANY better. Its good to know Im not alone but I find it awfully hard to manage a toddler and be pregnant with this saliva. Its hard to talk on the phone or even do simple things like groceries or take my toddler to the library with a mouth full of saliva that builds up almost instantly after spitting it out.
Its become a complete mental game to complete this pregnancy, I have tried a cocktail of nausea medications. Unfortunately, I find the side effects of the medications make me feel worse than relieving my symptoms. I almost can’t remember what it feels like to be normal. People say pregnancy is meant to be a happy time, for me, I have never felt more SICK in my life.
There are a few things I may share that has helped me, that could help possibly help some other women dare I say in this absolutely shitty condition. I find that aromatherapy helps, smelling something strong like Vicks or even a beautiful smell relieves the nausea temporarily. I find that when I am biting or eating something, my saliva can be swallowed. As a result I find Im constantly eating something although it may not stay as I may puke it out in no time.
Overall its been a struggle, praying for time to pass. But this blog has been helpful. thank you ladies.
Hey it’s a boy or girl me too experience excessive salaiva it’s my early pregnancy
It’s hard to say! I had a boy with my excessive saliva 🙂
I’m going on 15 weeks ! I’m having a boy !
I Started spitting around 5 weeks and it hasn’t stopped ):
I recently stopped vomiting at 13 weeks… this pregnancy has been such a roller coaster but so worth it. (:
So nice to know that there are women like me that are experiencing this execive salivation mine start right after a find out i was pregnant i am 8 weeks now i cant eat or swole anything at all . I am really struggling with this pregnancy and need help .
I was spitting like crazy during both pregnancies which resulted in me having….Girls!!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Hi im 13weeks pregnant and spitting in n cup makes me sick. Was pregnant before but spitting lasted only a month and it was boy twins, hoping its a girl for spitting so much.
hello katie, i am experiencing the same thing, this the the 14th week and it still occurs, carrying a bottle or cup around full of spit might irritate me, so i just chew gum at all times, though my teeth hurt from too much chewing , but it helps a lot.
Thank God for this article
Even now am pregnant again hmmm I feel like giving up clearing of throat and spitting 247 non stop still have about 7 to 8 month to go hmmmm but with God all things are possible I thought I was alone