23 Weeks Pregnant: Bleeing Gums in Pregnancy

You are 23 weeks pregnant! Here’s another exciting entry from the “Things no one tells you about pregnancy” files: bleeding gums in pregnancy. You’re bleeding, bleeding, bleeding every time you brush your teeth. Your husband thinks you have taken up a nasty crystal meth habit and you can barely eat a Dorito without feeling like tiny little knives are stabbing your gums. Oral health in pregnancy is super important, as hormones make your gums more sensitive and cause swelling, bleeding and even “pregnancy gingivitis.” Brush well, including your gums, and floss gently but regularly. Try to see your dentist for your check-up before you start crying at the sight of a tube of Colgate. Other than bleeding from the mouth, you’re probably feeling pretty great. When you’re not itchy, struggling to sleep, suffering from heartburn or bursting into tears every time some zoo animal gives birth and it makes the 6 o’clock news. Really, you’re feeling pretty great.

Meanwhile, your baby is looking a lot like she will at birth. If you have a 3-D ultrasound done you will undoubtedly notice the resemblance between your baby now and your baby after she’s born. But, of course, you will have to wait until she is born to notice said resemblance. She’s about 12 inches long – 12 inches of kicky, punchy life. Her nerves are well developed now and she is touching her face and whatever parts she can reach. She can sense you moving now, too. That penguin waddle you’re perfecting is rhythmic and comforting for her. Baby’s skin is still wrinkly but she is working on growing more fat. You are probably doing just fine in that department.

More Pregnancy Links:

• Join our Pregnant Moms Group
• Baby Girl Names
• Baby Boy Names
  

Our pregnancy calendar is researched & written by our Pregnancy Editor, Dara Duff-Bergeron. Although she rocks, she is not a health care professional. It's just for entertainment purposes and any recommendations or information provided should not be used as a substitute for the real deal - a trained medical professional.

About the Author
Dara is a women’s fitness expert and a pre and postnatal specialist. Visit Dara at Belly Bootcamp (www.bellybootcamp.ca)

About the Author Posted by EMVA in Pregnancy Calendar on March 23, 2010 More from this author  |