During pregnancy, we experience an increase amount of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones promote many changes in our body, including increasing our chance of getting gingivitis. Red swollen and bleeding gums characterize gingivitis. Bacteria and plaque in our mouths cause it. Due to hormones, the amount of bacteria in plaque increases in our mouths during pregnancy.
Hormones are also responsible for swelling because of the exaggerated response of the immune system.
This response is more prevalent in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. However, it decreases during the ninth month of pregnancy. After pregnancy, your hormones return to normal and so will you gums. More than half of pregnant women have some form of gingivitis. If you practiced good oral hygiene before pregnancy, your risk of gingivitis decreases.