Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy: Why It Happens and What You Can Do

You’re brushing your teeth one morning and notice a bit of blood. It’s small, but it’s enough to make you pause.
During pregnancy, even small changes can feel magnified — and something as unexpected as bleeding gums can easily spark worry.

The reassuring truth is that this is very common during pregnancy. It’s your body responding to hormonal changes, not a sign that something is wrong.

Why Gums Bleed During Pregnancy

In early pregnancy, your hormone levels shift significantly. The rise in estrogen and progesterone increases blood flow to your gums, making them softer and more sensitive.
This can cause them to swell slightly and bleed more easily, especially when you brush or floss.

This condition — often called pregnancy gingivitis — is mild, temporary, and affects many expecting mothers. It can begin in the first trimester and peak around the second, when circulation and hormone changes are at their highest.

Sometimes, other small factors can add to it: morning sickness exposing your gums to stomach acid, frequent snacking, or brushing too gently out of fear of causing more bleeding.

What You Might Notice

The first sign is usually a bit of bleeding while brushing or flossing, sometimes with mild soreness or puffiness near the gumline.
You might also notice a metallic taste or that your gums look slightly redder than usual.

While it’s rarely painful, the sensitivity can make you hesitant to brush properly — which can, in turn, lead to more irritation if plaque builds up.

How to Take Care of Your Gums

The best way to manage bleeding gums is with consistent, gentle care rather than brushing less often. Small adjustments can make a big difference:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush twice a day with gentle, circular motions.
• Rinse with warm salt water once daily to reduce swelling naturally.
• Stick to regular dental cleanings — they’re completely safe in pregnancy and help prevent gum irritation.
• Include iron and vitamin C-rich foods in your meals to strengthen gum tissue.
• Floss carefully every day to remove food particles and keep inflammation down.
• Stay hydrated and avoid sugary snacks that can feed bacteria around your gums.

If bleeding is frequent or your gums feel very sore, speak with your dentist or OB-GYN. They may recommend a professional cleaning or check for mild gum infection.

The Good News

For most women, bleeding gums ease as pregnancy progresses and hormones balance out after birth.
With gentle care and routine attention, your gums will stay healthy — and this small change will pass, just like so many others your body is adapting to right now.