When and how do the first signs of pregnancy appear?

Increased salivation: causes and treatment

Hypersalivation - what is it?
Why is there a lot of saliva in the mouth?

Salivation during sleep

Excessive salivation during pregnancy

Treatment of hypersalivation

Saliva is not just a liquid secreted in the mouth. Saliva is involved in the digestion process and protects the body from bacteria. The process of salivation is not controlled by humans. Usually about 2 liters of saliva are produced per day. Under the influence of certain factors, its amount can greatly increase. In this article we will talk about the causes of increased salivation and how to treat it.

How does it manifest?

The most common manifestation of toxicosis is vomiting , which can occur with varying frequency, depending on the severity of toxicosis.

In mild cases of toxicosis, vomiting occurs no more than 5 times a day, and may be accompanied by a prolonged or constant feeling of nausea. Vomiting occurs on an empty stomach and can be caused by food intake or unpleasant odors. In this case, the loss of body weight is either absent or small - 1-3 kg (up to 5% of body weight before pregnancy). This condition can be easily treated at home.

In more severe cases, vomiting occurs up to 10-20 times a day and is accompanied by drooling, while the woman’s general condition significantly worsens, weakness and apathy occur. A significant amount of fluid is lost through vomit and saliva, dehydration occurs, and metabolism is disrupted. The skin becomes dry, pale, blood pressure decreases, the pulse quickens, constipation occurs, the amount of urine discharge decreases, and the temperature rises. Loss of body weight can be up to 8-10 kg or more (up to 10% of initial body weight). With the progression of this form of toxicosis, a violation of water-salt, protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, acid-base and vitamin balance, and the functions of the endocrine glands gradually develops. In such a situation, the supply of nutrients to the fetus is sharply disrupted, and it is during this period that the laying and formation of all the main organs and systems of the baby takes place.

Drooling (ptyalism) can accompany vomiting during pregnancy; less commonly, it occurs as an independent form of early toxicosis. With severe drooling, a pregnant woman can lose 1 liter of fluid per day. Excessive drooling leads to dehydration of the body, loss of proteins, and negatively affects the mental state of a woman.

By 12 weeks of pregnancy, as a rule, the symptoms of early toxicosis disappear.

Why is there a lot of saliva in my mouth?

Let's consider the possible causes of increased salivation

Causes of ptyalism

Increased salivation is one of the adverse reactions to changes in hormone levels in the body. It has been scientifically proven that estrogen acts on the epithelium of the oral cavity, causing the secretion of salivary fluid.

The reasons for the appearance of excessive drooling in the early stages of gestation have not been precisely established, but several other factors can affect the likelihood of the symptom occurring:

• Heartburn. This phenomenon worries almost all pregnant women. As a result of reflux, stomach acid rises up the esophagus, which leads to irritation and a sore, burning sensation. An alkaline environment, i.e. saliva, helps neutralize acid. The self-regulation mechanism is activated, the salivary glands perceive signals from the receptors of the esophagus and produce more fluid. When swallowing saliva, the acid is partially neutralized, which brings the woman a feeling of relief.
• Changes in stomach acidity. Due to the effects of acid, the walls of the stomach are irritated, and in response to this, the glands secrete more saliva, which brings acidity back to normal.

• Taste preferences. Often, from the first weeks of expecting a baby, the expectant mother becomes addicted to sour or salty foods. Due to constant irritation, the salivary glands produce more fluid.
• Toxicosis. Nausea and vomiting can be provoked by any irritant, even a smell or a sharp sound, as a result of which a woman, fearing another attack of vomiting, tries to swallow saliva as little as possible. It builds up, making it seem like you're producing more saliva fluid than usual. Also, frequent vomiting can lead to the proliferation of specific microflora in the oral cavity, which provokes the production of saliva in large volumes.

Salivation during sleep

Sometimes, when a person wakes up, he notices wet spots on the pillow. This usually happens due to extreme fatigue and sound sleep. However, if salivation during sleep becomes a pattern, you should consult a doctor.

The main factors that provoke the secretion of saliva during sleep.

• Malocclusion or missing teeth. Saliva flows out because the teeth do not close completely.
• Difficulty in nasal breathing: runny nose, deviated nasal septum, colds. All this forces you to breathe through your mouth. Since the lips do not close, the accumulated fluid flows out. This is often accompanied by snoring.
• Deep sleep.

External signs of pregnancy

A change in a woman’s appearance already in the early stages may indicate pregnancy.

Acne during pregnancy

A sharp hormonal change in the body of a pregnant woman and increased activity of the sebaceous glands can trigger the appearance of acne, even if the woman has not previously encountered this problem.

Most often, the rash goes away after the baby is born and does not require any treatment.

If a pregnant woman decides to deal with rashes before delivery, then she should remember that during this period it is forbidden to use drugs that contain retinoids and salicylic acid. In addition, removal of rashes using laser, deep peeling, or mechanical cleaning is contraindicated. Phytotherapeutic procedures should also be treated with caution.

Facial redness during pregnancy

Such an early sign of pregnancy as facial redness is associated not only with hormonal levels, but also with increased blood circulation during this period.

Many pregnant women experience the so-called “pregnant mask”, which is characterized by the appearance of age spots localized in the forehead, cheeks and nose. You should not be afraid of such spots, since after childbirth they will go away on their own over time.

Veins during pregnancy

The onset of pregnancy may be marked by the appearance of venous patterns (or spider veins) on the chest, neck, arms and legs. Such spider-like patterns of dark red or bluish color, like skin pigmentation, will disappear on their own with the birth of the child.

Edema during pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, slight puffiness of the face may be observed. In addition, your hands may swell, which is especially noticeable if you clench your hand into a fist.

It should be remembered that swelling in the first months of bearing a child is not normal and may indicate that the expectant mother has kidney disease or cardiovascular disease. Therefore, if this symptom appears, you should consult a doctor.

Breast enlargement during pregnancy

Many women, due to the absence of menstruation, may suspect pregnancy in the first weeks of conception due to breast enlargement by 1 - 2 sizes. Moreover, this sign can be observed even if a woman loses her appetite and loses weight.

Breast enlargement may be accompanied by pain and tingling in both mammary glands.

Important! During pregnancy, both breasts increase in size exactly the same. Enlargement of one mammary gland or any part of it should alert you, as it may signal the presence of serious diseases.

Nipple changes during pregnancy

Early signs of pregnancy are darkening and swelling of the nipples, as well as the appearance of Montgomery tubercles - small outgrowths localized in the nipple area. Outwardly, such formations resemble small warts that are filled with a sebaceous substance.

There is no need to worry about the appearance of such tubercles, since they in no way disrupt the functioning of the sebaceous glands and do not affect the health of the expectant mother, much less the fetus.

Pain and burning sensations that occur when touching the nipples may also indicate pregnancy.

Discharge from the breast during pregnancy

An early (albeit rare) sign of conception may be clear fluid released from the nipple when pressure is applied to it.

Sometimes, in early pregnancy, colostrum may begin to be released, which indicates galactorrhea, a condition in which there is increased production of the hormone prolactin.

In general, the appearance of colostrum is more typical in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Stripe on the stomach during pregnancy

Many people believe that a brown line on the abdomen, running from the navel down, appears in late pregnancy. In fact, this line can be seen already in the first weeks of pregnancy, it will simply be white, whereas from the 12th week it will begin to acquire a brown tint.

Excessive salivation during pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in the female body. The main reasons why an expectant mother’s salivation increases.

• Heartburn. When the acid-base balance in the stomach is disturbed, the body begins to produce a lot of saliva. This is a defensive reaction.
• Reaction to medications.
• Toxicosis. To stop gagging, the expectant mother tries to swallow saliva less often. Therefore, it may seem that there is more saliva in the mouth than usual.

A large amount of saliva does not threaten the fetus, however, if this is a consequence of any disease, then the pregnant woman should monitor her condition.

What complications are possible?

• Impaired taste perception of food.
• Dehydration of the body.
• Insomnia, disturbance of psycho-emotional state.
• Deterioration of the skin condition on the face and body.
• Infectious diseases.

Causes of salivation

Increased salivation is considered one of the negative reactions to changes in the amount of hormones. Estrogen affects the epithelium of the oral cavity, provoking the secretion of saliva. There is no exact cause for this symptom, but there are factors that cause fluid secretion:

Bloating during pregnancy

• Heartburn - hormonal disorders lead to an increase in the acidity of gastric juice, which is why the salivary glands are more activated. Therefore, the burning sensation in the esophagus must be extinguished. The body of a pregnant woman tries to make up for the resulting deficiency with increased saliva production.
• Changes in taste - consuming sour and salty foods provokes secretion production several times faster.
• Increased appetite - the feeling of hunger leads to the activity of the salivary glands.
• Toxicosis - this symptom and nausea occur almost simultaneously.
• Smoking - unfortunately, not all expectant mothers give up this bad habit, and it is precisely this habit that causes drooling.

A viscous secretion appears in the mouth if a woman does not swallow liquid, trying to avoid gagging.

When the volume of saliva is increased and interferes with normal life, you should not force yourself to constantly swallow it. It is better to take paper napkins and spit out the liquid from time to time.

Treatment of hypersalivation

There is no single treatment method for all cases. However, you can use methods to reduce the activity of the salivary glands - sometimes they are recommended by doctors as an addition to complex therapy.

• Reception of sorbents: activated carbon, polysorb, etc.
• Taking medications prescribed by a doctor.
• Exercise therapy, massage (most often prescribed for children).
• Botulinum toxin injections.

In rare exceptions, the salivary glands are partially removed, but the downside is that there is a risk of damaging the facial nerve.

Which doctors will help you cope with this disease? Dentist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, infectious disease specialist, etc.

Hospitalization

If the doctor discovers changes in the tests, the scale arrow stubbornly deviates to the left every day, and your health worsens, most likely you will have to go to the hospital . The doctors' first task will be to restore lost fluid, protein, and salts. You will be given an IV to ensure that nutrients and vitamins go directly into your blood. To suppress vomiting and nausea, drugs that block the gag reflex are used. Since, as already mentioned, the state of the nervous system has a significant impact on the severity of toxicosis, a protective treatment regime will be created in the hospital for your peace of mind. In addition, you will be prescribed medications that have a calming effect, and if there is increased salivation, medications that inhibit the action of the salivary glands. It is possible that non-drug methods will also be used: acupuncture, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, herbal and aromatherapy. This will help reduce the number of drugs that can have undesirable effects on the developing embryo.

When, as a result of treatment, weight gain becomes obvious, daily diuresis (the amount of urine excreted), as well as pulse, blood pressure and temperature are normalized, vomiting stops or becomes less frequent, and you can return to your usual home environment. In rare cases, complex treatment over several days turns out to be completely ineffective, and then the pregnancy has to be terminated.

Based on materials from the magazine “9 months” No. 3, 2003

Signs of the first and second pregnancy

Are the early signs of the first and second pregnancy different? We answer: everything is purely individual. There are many cases where the same woman’s first pregnancy occurred against the background of severe toxicosis, while bearing a second child did not cause any problems.

In general, gynecologists identify the same early signs of pregnancy, regardless of whether it is the first, second or third. However, pathologies such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins during the second and subsequent pregnancies become aggravated already in the first weeks of gestation.

Laboratory and instrumental diagnosis of pregnancy

Regardless of whether you have subjective or external signs of pregnancy, the fact of conception can only be reliably confirmed using laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods: transvaginal ultrasound and a blood test for hCG.

Thus, an ultrasound examination can determine pregnancy starting from the fourth week from the moment of conception. But in the first week of pregnancy, an ultrasound will only show the presence of a corpus luteum, which cannot be a reliable sign of the birth of a new life.

In the first 7 to 9 days after conception, in 98% of cases, pregnancy can be determined by a blood test for hCG , in which the human chorionic gonadotropin level exceeds 25 mU/ml. An increase in hCG levels during pregnancy is observed up to 12 weeks, after which it begins to gradually decrease.

At home, women use rapid tests .

Pregnancy test

An express pregnancy test, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, is recommended to be carried out no earlier than 2 to 3 days before the expected start date of menstruation. At the same time, manufacturers recommend using tests to determine pregnancy after 5 days of delay in order to avoid obtaining unreliable results.

The test is positive, but there are no signs of pregnancy

Some women are faced with a situation where an express pregnancy test gives a positive result in the absence of any signs of pregnancy, confirmed by a gynecologist and ultrasound.

The reasons for a false positive pregnancy test may be the following:

• Incorrect test: biomaterial (urine) is collected in the morning, and the last part is used.
• Using expired or defective test.
• Taking medications containing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
• Hormonal imbalance due to the presence of tumor diseases and cysts.
• Early pregnancy failure.
• Abortion with incomplete removal of embryonic tissue.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Taking alkaloids, tranquilizers, and phenothiazane derivatives.

Test negative for early signs of pregnancy

Can a rapid test show a negative result if there are early signs of pregnancy? Maybe. And here are the reasons.

• Premature testing (remember that the most reliable results will be those obtained during the test on the fifth day of a missed period or more).
• Presence of tumors.
• Malfunction of the thyroid gland.
• Taking hormonal drugs.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Threat of spontaneous abortion.
• Violation of the rules for using and storing the test.
• Low quality or defective test system.

And remember that if you suspect pregnancy, no matter what the test result is - false positive or false negative, only visiting a gynecologist and carrying out all the necessary examinations will reliably determine whether you are pregnant or not.

When does toxicosis end in pregnant women?

Changes in hormonal levels in the body are temporary. In cases where the problem is limited to ptyalism, single vomiting or nausea without significant deterioration of the woman’s condition, toxicosis does not require any specialized treatment.

Despite this, many expectant mothers are interested in when toxicosis ends in pregnant women. If we are talking about an early form of pathology, then it goes away on its own by 15-16 weeks. With late toxicosis, symptoms disappear after delivery.