Is it normal for my gums to bleed during pregnancy?

Swollen, tender gums that bleed when you floss or brush are a common complaint during pregnancy. This is caused by higher progesterone levels, which make your gums react more to the bacteria in plaque, and by an increased blood supply to your mouth. “Pregnancy gingivitis” affects about half of pregnant women. Without good oral hygiene, gingivitis can get worse and develop into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease in which the infection goes beyond your gums into the bone and other tissue that support your teeth. Some studies have found that pregnant women with these conditions are significantly more likely to deliver prematurely. There may also be an association between gum disease and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. So brush after every meal, floss daily and see your dentist regularly.