Yes, you can generally swallow your saliva during pregnancy.
The urge to swallow or spit out saliva during pregnancy can be influenced by a few factors. While increased saliva production (also known as ptyalism gravidarum) is a common pregnancy symptom, it doesn't inherently prevent you from swallowing your saliva.
Understanding Ptyalism Gravidarum
Ptyalism gravidarum, the excessive production of saliva during pregnancy, is thought to be caused by hormonal changes. This doesn't make swallowing unsafe but can make it feel uncomfortable or nauseating for some pregnant individuals.
Practical Tips for Managing Excess Saliva
The following tips can help you manage increased saliva during pregnancy:
- Swallow excess saliva: According to the reference, you can **"Swallow any excess saliva if you can"**.
- Use hard candy or sugarless gum: Sucking on hard candy or chewing sugarless gum can help by making it easier to swallow the saliva you produce, although it does not decrease saliva production.
- Spit it out: If swallowing makes you feel nauseated, spit the saliva into a tissue, washcloth, or cup.
When Swallowing Becomes Difficult
While swallowing saliva is generally safe during pregnancy, the discomfort caused by excessive saliva production or nausea may prompt you to spit it out. It's important to listen to your body and do what makes you most comfortable.
In summary, swallowing your saliva during pregnancy is generally considered safe. However, if you experience discomfort or nausea from increased saliva, it's perfectly acceptable to spit it out and utilize other coping mechanisms as needed.
