Being pregnant sends your body into an array of crazy. You find things that you would never associate with being pregnant becoming an issue. One symptom, in particular, is tongue numbness in pregnancy. It’s crazy that every part of your being is now controlled or reacting because of the little life you are working hard to create.
What Causes Tongue Numbness In Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, if a tingling or numb tongue is troubling you then it’s usually a response to an allergy, nerve compression, or Bell’s Palsy.
Experiencing a numb tongue in pregnancy can be irritating.
Straining your neck or sleeping awkwardly can make your symptoms worsen but any new Numbness should always be conferred with a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.
Why is My Tongue Numb While Pregnant?
Bet this is a question you wouldn’t have thought you’d ask. It’s no secret that pregnancy can affect us all in extremely different ways; teeth, tongue, or belly!. You may be suffering from horrendous morning sickness while across the street Sarah is loving her life with glowing skin and volumized hair.
It’s a fact you don’t know what hand you’re getting dealt with until you are living in the experience. The same is said for multiple pregnancies you will never really get two the same.
This brings us to the issue you have in your mouth. Having a numb tongue is annoying and totally uncomfortable. Yet how does growing a little bean in your uterus affect your mouth? Continue reading to find out.
Why Is My Tongue Tingling While Pregnant?
There are varying factors why your tongue is feeling a bit weird in your mouth. For many pregnancy symptoms, we can blame hormones but in this instance, it can be down to the following:
- Allergies
Developing a sudden allergy to food is possible in pregnancy. Sensitivity to certain foods can leave you with numbness in the mouth. These allergies may be hard to pinpoint but keeping an eye on your symptoms after meals can signal which foods are best to avoid. Hormonal changes may be responsible for this sudden intolerance so after delivery you should expect things to return to normal. Typical foods to spark an allergy are fruits like kiwi, pineapple, banana, or any soy/dairy products.
If your tongue numbness is caused by an allergy then the advice would be to avoid the trigger food until after delivery. If you are concerned about taking a staple food out of your diet your doctor can recommend alternatives to ensure your diet remains wholesome.
- Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy is a facial paralysis that is temporary. Usually, you would only suffer from this condition if your seventh cranial nerve became compromised. Most common in women Bell’s Palsy can affect you in or around your third trimester. Affected areas are usually one sided of your face, lips, tongue, and mouth.
Studies show that women who are expecting are three times more likely to be affected than women who are not leaving around 71% being in their third trimester and 21% in early pregnancy.
Ensure you consult with your doctor as sometimes Bell’s Palsy has a link with Preeclampsia. You will need close monitoring of your blood pressure and any other symptoms must be noted.
- Spinal Compression
Spinal Compression sounds worse than it is. When pregnant your body is put under pressure and whilst it’s in your natural DNA to house a baby your internal organs and muscles still get pushed and squished.
With all this movement going on inside your spine, which is responsible for posture and back support, can become compromised.
Usually, by your third trimester, your baby is at its heaviest weight so combining this against your spine can almost guarantee some nerve issues. Nerve issues as we have learned can cause numbing sensations in the face including your tongue.
- Nerve Compression
Nerve Compression has the same explanation as spinal compression however being pregnant your nerves are now in hypersensitive mode. Any nerve that’s connected to the tongue can become compressed giving you numbness.
Easing Symptoms Of Tongue Numbness in Pregnancy
Even though a numb tongue wouldn’t affect your baby it is an extremely uncomfortable sensation for you and usually doesn’t last very long.
A tingling tongue in pregnancy can disrupt your eating habits (which personally would turn me into a hangry monster.) So to help relieve your symptoms try out a few of the remedies below.
- Diary of meals – if you suspect your tongue numbness is a reaction to food then look to create a journal. Writing down what you eat can narrow down which foods to avoid.
- Avoid sudden neck movements – we have all felt the pain of a crooked neck. It can happen with any slight movement. With your nerves being super sensitive, be careful not to make any sudden movements to prevent strain.
- Rest – pregnancy is the best excuse to take a load off and chill. Although it’s not really an excuse per se. Your whole body needs time to adjust to the hormones and extra weight.
- Reduce Sodium – sodium in your diet can raise your blood pressure and increase the water retained in joints and muscles. With excess fluid, your nerves are at an increased risk of being compressed so your best bet is to watch your sodium levels.
- Posture perfect – after learning that our spine can affect our cranial nerves you should practice sitting correctly. I must warn you sitting with your back straight and shoulders back can be hard work with a watermelon strapped to your front.
Other Areas That Can Become Numb
It’s not only your tongue that can become numb during pregnancy. Every nerve in our bodies is at risk from compression. With this in tow, your limbs can be heavily affected by numbness.
Your fingers, wrists, and hands can present you with pins and needles if your carpal nerve is compressed. Known as carpal tunnel syndrome, you can expect normal movement and feeling once your baby is born.
Your legs and feet can prove to be uncomfortable if you’re suffering from piriformis syndrome or sciatica as well as your buttocks. Sciatica is probably the most common cause of numbness and pain in your lower body. Compression of the Sciatic nerve can not only affect your mobility but you may find your sleep is disturbed as well.
Seeking Consultation
I’m sure I don’t need to say this but you should always consult your medical team about any new or different sensation in pregnancy.
Numbness in your tongue can be common and typically disappears as soon as it arises; however, if any numbness presents itself suddenly and doesn’t ease you must ensure you seek the appropriate examination to rule out any underlying condition.
Wrapping Up
Tongue numbness in pregnancy isn’t typically a serious condition more bothersome for you but it wouldn’t harm or affect your baby.
The easiest way to combat and relieve the tingling would be to diagnose what’s causing the issue. Food allergies or poor posture alike will correct themselves after you have delivered your baby but in the meantime try the remedies listed above to ease your symptoms.
If you find that the numbness is prolonged your doctor can recommend therapies to try providing there isn’t another underlying issue.