Dry mouth during pregnancy is a fairly common condition and it can be caused by a variety of facts. Since the metabolism is faster during pregnancy, this can cause water to move through the body faster, especially when combined with frequent urination. Additionally, the body absorbs more water because blood flow increases dramatically in pregnant women. These things can both cause dehydration to occur more quickly than in women who are not pregnant. Dry mouth during pregnancy can also be a sign of gestational diabetes, a condition which affects roughly two to ten percent of pregnant women.

Nearly all women are susceptible to dry mouth during pregnancy unless they remain adequately hydrated at all times. This can be difficult to do since the combination of frequent urination, vomiting, and a faster metabolism can lead to dehydration easily. Being dehydrated is a frequent cause of dry mouth in all individuals. Treatment generally includes drinking more fluids.

It is necessary to drink plenty of fluids even if one doesn’t feel thirsty because by the time thirst is felt, the body is already dehydrated. Water and clear juices are the best beverages to drink for maintaining hydration, and sodas and other caffeinated drinks should be avoided altogether. If dry mouth persists, this could be indicative of an underlying condition.

Between two and ten percent of all women may experience dry mouth in pregnancy related to gestational diabetes. This a condition which causes high blood sugar due to hormones in the placenta affecting the way insulin processes glucose. It is treated using a combination of diet and exercise and usually resolves itself once the baby is born. Dry mouth and extreme thirst are both symptoms of the disorder.

Only a doctor can definitively diagnose gestational diabetes. Tests are performed to detect blood sugar levels both before and after drinking a solution that is heavy in sugar. If measurements remain high, it is confirmed that the woman is diabetic.

Other women may experience dry mouth during pregnancy due to medications being taken. Various prescription drugs can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Although not generally serious, this side effect can be bothersome and should be reported to a health care professional. Alternate medications may be given if available or the dosage may be changed.