Abstract
Ptyalism gravidarum, or sialorrhoea, is a highly distressing maternal condition characterised by excess salivation and difficulty swallowing saliva, requiring the affected woman to frequently expectorate. The literature is sparse and somewhat conflicting. There are marked geographical and cultural differences in prevalence. The aetiology is not known, and no trials have been performed with respect to treatment modalities. A review of the available literature is presented, and possible future directions for research are suggested.