Which trimester is associated with increased salivary flow?

• A. First
• B. Second
• C. Third
• D. All trimesters

Answer: (B)

Salivary flow changes during pregnancy come from hormonal and autonomic adjustments. In the middle trimester, rising estrogen and progesterone, plus increased blood flow to the salivary glands and shifts in autonomic regulation, tend to boost saliva production. By this time, nausea and dehydration from early pregnancy often lessen, allowing the glands to secrete more consistently. This combination makes increased salivary flow more commonly observed in mid-pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, patterns become more variable as other hormonal changes occur, so the rise is not as consistently noted. So the mid-pregnancy period is the one most associated with increased salivary flow.