During pregnancy, salivary flow in the first and third trimesters is which?

• A. Increased
• B. Decreased
• C. No change
• D. Fluctuating

Answer: (B)

Pregnancy brings hormonal and fluid changes that affect how salivary glands secrete. In the first and third trimesters, the overall trend is a reduction in salivary flow. Dehydration from morning sickness and vomiting lowers saliva production, and hormonal influences (increased estrogen and progesterone) can alter autonomic regulation of the salivary glands, leading to a drier mouth. This decreased flow can contribute to mouth dryness and related oral health concerns later in pregnancy. While some individuals may experience hypersalivation (ptyalism gravidarum) early on, the common pattern used in practice questions is a decrease in salivary flow during the first and third trimesters. The options of no change or fluctuating don’t align with this typical trend, and increased flow is not the usual finding in these stages.