Dry mouth during pregnancy: Causes, symptoms & relief

If you're waking up with a dry throat or constantly feeling thirsty during pregnancy, you're not alone. Dry mouth affects many pregnant women and can make everyday activities like eating and speaking uncomfortable.  You’re probably aware pregnancy changes a woman’s entire body function. There are common ones and uncommon ones like dry mouth.

The good news? It's usually normal and there are simple ways you can find relief. This article highlights the details you need to know.

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Is Dry Mouth a Sign of Pregnancy?

Yes, dry mouth can be an early sign of pregnancy. Extreme, unquenchable thirst is actually one of the first indicators many women notice. Especially in the first months of pregnancy in the first trimester. Though it can probably last till the third trimester. 

Your body needs significantly more water during pregnancy to support your baby's development, which can leave you feeling perpetually thirsty even when there's no room for more water in your belly.

When Does Dry Mouth Start in Pregnancy?

Dry mouth usually begins in the first trimester and may continue throughout your pregnancy. Research shows that salivary flow rate tends to be lower in the third trimester compared to the first trimester. This is caused by the rising hormone levels in your body that reduce saliva production as pregnancy progresses. While decrease in saliva is caused by pregnancy hormones, some medications such as antiplasmodics, antihistamines and antidepressants can contribute.

If you find it difficult to drink ordinary room temperature water, especially in your first trimester, try ice water or water sweetened naturally with fruits, cucumber or lemon.

Why Is My Mouth So Dry During Pregnancy?

Several factors contribute to dry mouth during pregnancy:

Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy increases estrogen levels by 10 times and progesterone levels by 30 times. These hormonal shifts create more acidity in your mouth and reduce saliva production. Saliva is essential for oral cleaning, tissue repair, and maintaining proper pH balance so when it reduces, you feel the effects.

Dehydration
Your body needs 8 to 12 cups of water per day during pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Because your baby requires adequate hydration for proper development, dehydration is a primary cause of dry mouth. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to serious complications and soft tissue problems.

Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting reduce saliva and leave your mouth feeling dry. The presence of vomiting also decreases your saliva's buffering capacity and can affect your hygiene habits.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is simply gum inflammation. It affects many women, about 35-100% and can contribute to dry mouth. It makes your gums sore, puffy or prone to bleeding. It usually appears between the months 3 and 8 of pregnancy.

Sleep Problems
Pregnancy can cause snoring and sleep apnea, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Changing hormones narrow your throat and nasal passages. When you breathe through your mouth during the night, saliva production decreases, leaving you with a dry mouth when you wake up.

Gestational Diabetes
This condition causes elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy and typically resolves after delivery. While many women worry they have gestational diabetes when experiencing extreme thirst, dry mouth is usually just a normal part of pregnancy. However, gestational diabetes can contribute to dry mouth, along with increased thirst, fatigue and frequent urination. So ensure to get tested.

Thrush
An overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans can occur if your immune system isn't functioning properly during your pregnancy. This condition causes dryness in your mouth, along with white lesions on your tongue and cheeks.

Is It Normal to Have Dry Mouth in Pregnancy?

Yes, dry mouth is a common and normal complaint during pregnancy. It's primarily hormonal and usually goes away after birth. While dry mouth can be a symptom of conditions like low iron levels or gestational diabetes, it's most often just a typical pregnancy symptom caused by your body's increased water needs and hormonal changes.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth During Pregnancy

Along with the feeling of dryness, you may experience:

• Chapped lips and dry throat
• Dry skin
• Difficulty eating because your throat is dry
• A constant sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Dryness in your nose
• A burning sensation in your throat or mouth
• Hoarseness
• Changes in taste
• Feeling perpetually thirsty even though your belly feels full
• Waking up dehydrated despite drinking enough water and peeing clear urine
• Tooth decay

The medical term for excessive thirst is polydipsia, which causes dry mouth.

How to Cure Dry Mouth During Pregnancy

In many cases, simple home remedies like the ones below can help with your dry mouth during pregnancy.

Hydration Strategies

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, aim for 8 to 12 cups
• Take frequent water sips instead of gulps to relieve symptoms
• Suck on ice chips to moisten your mouth and reduce nausea
• Try electrolyte packets and add salt to your food to increase sodium levels and prevent drinking too much water at once

Stimulate Saliva Production

• Chew sugar-free gum
• Eat sugar-free hard candy

Create a Better Sleep Environment

• Use a humidifier at night, especially if you live in cold areas or wake up with a dry mouth

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

• Brush and floss regularly to prevent cavities (you can reverse gum inflammation with good home care)
• Use a mouthwash specifically designed for dry mouth, available at your local pharmacy

Adjust Your Diet

• Limit caffeine intake by skipping coffee as much as possible

When to See a Doctor

In some cases, you may need to consult a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any of these:

• If medications might be worsening your dry mouth, your doctor can adjust them
• For severe cases, you may need a fluoride tray at night to protect your teeth
• If snoring or sleep apnea is contributing to your dry mouth and you feel excessively tired during the day, see a physician
• If thrush is the underlying cause, you'll need antifungal medication
• If you have gestational diabetes, work with your doctor to develop a management plan including diet, exercise, and possibly medication or insulin

Other Warning Signs

Watch for these additional signs of dehydration:

• Feeling overheated
• Dark yellow urine
• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches

If you experience these symptoms, increase your water intake immediately and contact your healthcare provider if they persist.

Conclusion

Dry mouth is a normal part of pregnancy caused by your body's increased water needs and hormonal changes. While it can be uncomfortable, simple remedies like staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and chewing sugar-free gum can provide relief. Your glucose levels may look normal even when you're experiencing extreme thirst. This is usually just your body's way of telling you it needs more water for your growing baby.

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