Many pregnant women are not too concerned about their swollen or bleeding gums, but this condition can lead to serious repercussions. The National Women's Health Information Center states that one cause of death of a stillborn baby has been linked to bacteria entering the mother's bloodstream through her bleeding gums. Although most pregnant women with bleeding gums will not experience such a tragedy, many want to do whatever they can to ensure the safety of their baby. By learning about the causes of swollen and bleeding gums during pregnancy, pregnant women can take the necessary actions to prevent this condition from occurring and avoid putting their unborn baby in jeopardy.
Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, progesterone and other hormones surge in a woman's body. These hormones can make a pregnant woman's gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria, states the popular parenting website BabyCenter.com. The American Dental Association states that pregnancy-related gingivitis is particularly common during the second and eighth months of pregnancy due to these hormonal changes. Increased teeth brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist can help control this.
Increased Blood Flow
Many women understand that blood circulation is increased in the body during pregnancy but do not realize that this also can contribute to pregnancy-related gingivitis. The increased blood flow can make the gums more tender, swollen and sensitive, states the March of Dimes. Although it is important to keep brushing teeth properly throughout pregnancy, pregnant women should take special care to be gentle and consider using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and gums to ease the pain that may come with the sensitivity.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Women with severe nausea or morning sickness may be more inclined than usual to skip brushing their teeth or visiting a dentist for fear of triggering vomiting. This, in combination with the hormonal and blood changes occurring the body, can contribute to bacteria and plaque building up more quickly and causing the bleeding and swelling of the gums. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to continue to make dental hygiene a priority, even if it does exacerbate nausea or trigger vomiting.
Medical Conditions
Although it is rare, sometimes a more serious medical condition may cause bleeding gums, explains the website DrSpock.com. If a pregnant women bruises easily, has frequent or heavy nosebleeds or bleeds elsewhere in the body in addition to her swollen and bleeding gums, she should contact her doctor about these symptoms at once.
