Due to an increase in pregnancy hormones, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is a common problem for women that are expecting. Some symptoms to watch out for include: tender, red and swollen gums, bleeding gums and bad breath. Do not ignore dental problems, because they can take a toll on the baby’s health. Gum disease has actually been linked to pre-term birth. It’s a good idea to visit your dentist early on for a cleaning and exam. Brush at least 2 times a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.