Sometimes you feel dryness in your mouth. Is Dry Mouth a Symptom Of Pregnancy? During pregnancy, your body will require more water than expected to accommodate the developing baby. Dehydration is also caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Thus, pregnancy can occasionally result in a dry mouth. However, there are numerous potential causes of pregnancy-related dry mouth. Dehydration and gestational diabetes are two of the most common causes. You may not have anticipated experiencing this symptom, but dry mouth is common during pregnancy. Sometimes it’s just the way things are. However, in some people, it may be a sign of a condition that requires medical attention. A dry mouth, like most medical conditions, is referred to as xerostomia. It happens when your mouth doesn’t create sufficient spit to keep things clammy.
Is Dry Mouth a Symptom Of Pregnancy?
After getting married, every woman desires to become a mother. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify the symptoms of pregnancy, but if you are experiencing dryness in your mouth, it could be a sign of pregnancy. Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a woman, but it also comes with many challenges. A dry mouth is a common symptom during pregnancy. This is partly because the growing fetus requires more water, so you need to drink more water than usual. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect oral health, which is another reason for dry mouth. In addition to dry mouth during pregnancy, gum disease, and loose teeth are common symptoms. Pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes can also cause dry mouth.
Is Dry Mouth a Symptom Of Pregnancy? Causes of dry mouth during Pregnancy
A dry mouth during pregnancy can be attributed to various factors. One of the most prevalent causes is dehydration.
Sleeping Problem
Sleep difficulties during pregnancy can vary from trouble falling asleep to frequent awakenings during the night. Moreover, it may lead to breathing problems such as snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring tends to be more common in the second and third trimesters. Women who are overweight, smoke, have inadequate sleep, or have conditions like enlarged tonsils are more prone to experience sleep issues. Your hormone changes can also cause your throat and nasal passages to narrow, resulting in breathing difficulties. Snoring and sleep apnea can force you to breathe through your mouth while sleeping, causing dryness in your mouth. Sleep apnea can be a severe condition. If you snore while sleeping and feel excessively fatigued during the day, consult your GP.
Thrush
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. It can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, as water is crucial for the development of the baby. During pregnancy, there is a higher demand for water than usual, hence dry mouth is a common symptom. In severe cases, dehydration during pregnancy can result in stillbirth or premature birth. Other symptoms of dehydration include:
- Excessive heat
- Dark urine
- Extreme thirst
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
Increase Blood Production
During pregnancy, up to 50% more blood flows through a woman’s body to reach the placenta and meet the baby’s needs. As a result, the body may retain water to maintain a high blood volume, which can lead to a dry mouth.
The increase in blood volume also causes additional fluids to be released through the kidneys, resulting in frequent urination. As the body loses more fluids, dry mouth may occur.
Since blood volume increases in the early stages of pregnancy, maintaining proper fluid intake is essential. Drinking an additional one or two cups of water per day can help you stay hydrated and alleviate dry mouth.
Gestational diabetes
When pregnant, your body requires an increased supply of insulin, which is responsible for controlling glucose levels in your bloodstream. If your body has difficulty keeping up with this new demand, you may develop gestational diabetes, a condition that can affect both your and your baby’s health. However, the good news is that high blood sugar levels can often be managed with diet and exercise, and medication is available if needed.
After pregnancy, if you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your blood sugar levels should return to normal. In the future, you may only need to have your sugar levels checked more frequently. But how do you know if you have it? You may not even realize that you have it, and your doctor may only discover it when they screen you in your second trimester.
However, if symptoms do occur, dry mouth is a common one. You may also feel drowsy, and tired, and urinate more frequently than usual. There’s no need to panic though, as these are all normal signs of pregnancy. However, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor if you’re concerned.
Is Dry Mouth a Symptom Of Pregnancy? What are its Symptoms?
The following are potential signs of dry mouth, in addition to feeling dry:
- Constant sore throat
- Trouble swallowing
- Dryness inside your nose
- Burning feeling in your throat or mouth
- Trouble speaking
- Hoarseness
- Change in sense of taste
- Tooth decay
Dental Care for Pregnant Women
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is more important than ever during pregnancy. While dry mouth is a possibility, other oral health issues specific to pregnancy should be kept in mind. Pregnancy gingivitis and “pregnancy tumors,” which are non-cancerous overgrowths of gum tissue, are two possible conditions. During pregnancy, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene practices, such as flossing, water flossers, or another interdental cleaning device, and brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Likewise, make certain to see your dental specialist no less than once while you are pregnant. The second trimester is the best time to visit your dentist and think about scheduling a cleaning because medical professionals do not recommend it during the first and third trimesters.
Pregnancy dry mouth isn’t just an awkward side effect of pregnancy, but it can also put you at more serious risk for issues like tooth decay and infections. Fortunately, the fix is simple. Remaining hydrated, keeping up with fantastic oral considerations, and pursuing healthy dietary choices all assist your mouth with areas of strength for staying sound.
Other symptoms of the Dry Mouth Syndrome
Dry mouth syndrome may present with additional symptoms, in addition to the sensation of dryness:
- Constant throat pain.
- Difficulty taking in food.
- Numbness in the nose.
- feeling of burning in the mouth and throat.
- Hoarseness, difficulties speaking, changes in taste, and the appearance of tooth decay.
Sore throat During Pregnancy
As previously mentioned, dry mouth syndrome during pregnancy can cause symptoms such as a sore throat due to the lack of saliva and hydration in the mouth. If you have a history of frequent sore throats and plan to take medication to treat them, it’s crucial to be extra cautious during this time. If you suspect you have dry mouth syndrome, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor and visit a dentist.