Conference moira::parenting

    'Heavy' is relative, so I can't really tell you if the amount of
    bleeding you are experiencing is normal.
    
    I've started getting the bleeding gums and I'm at 13 weeks now. I was
    not very pregnant when I first saw the dentist, and was told to expect
    it. And not slack off, maintain my regular flossing, brushing habits.
    
    Thus far it's not too bad for me and it's not every day.
    
    If it were me, having bleeding that I thought was too heavy or
    frequent, I'd call the OB first.
    
      Annie

    
    I'm 33 weeks and I've just started experiencing the bloody
    nose.  It only happens in the morning and it's very "light".
    But I do notice that I am blowing my nose much more often.
    
    I've had no problems with my gums (knock on wood).
    
    From what I was told in the beginning, both are very common 
    during preganancy.
    
    But if the amount of blood you're experiencing is concerning 
    you, I would call your doctor.
    
    Kristin 
    

    
    I am 21 weeks and am having the bloody nose symptom.  I find
    that it has gotten a little better since I started to 
    run a humidifier at home.  The dry winter air seems to
    acerbate the situation.
    
    Amy 

    These are two of the few "typical" symptoms I've had. Very congested
    sinuses & bloody nose. I was having the gum problems a couple of months
    ago, until my husband's dentist sold him a WaterPik. I started using it
    too, instead of flossing. At first my gums would bleed with it set on
    the lowest power. Now I have it up to 4 (out of 10) and have had no
    bleeding. There is something about hormone levels causing the gums
    to be raw. I strongly recommend the WaterPik for oral hygiene, I think
    my teeth/gums are now in better shape than ever. And no blood anymore
    brushing. 

    As for the nose, I have started sleeping with two pillows to elevate my
    head enough to keep at least one sinus clear. Each morning I blow out
    dried blood. I suppose a humidifier might help, but it doesn't bother
    me enough to do something about it. One thing I would recommend you not
    do is use a nose spray (except saline). A nose spray to clear
    congestion will only make the problem worse over the long run.  
    
    Gail
    32 weeks

    As mentioned - both are common, and often vary in amount.
    
    The one thing that helped me alot with the congestion, which worsened
    once the forced hot air heat came up, was "OCEAN", a sort of liquid
    saline solution for the nose. It's a sparay that you can get from CVS
    or any drug store. 
    I saw significant drop in bloody noses right away. It's still a staple
    in my medicine cabinet.
    
    For the bleeding gums, I used soft toothbrush, and rinsed with warm
    salty water - this helped some I think. Atleast it helped get rid of
    the yicky taste.

    I have also had the bloody nose with congestion. Dry air seems to make
    it worse. Fortuneately I haven't had the blood gums yet, but there is
    still time. I am at 27 weeks.
    
                                                Alice and baby 

    
       It's been quite some time since I've been pregnant. But, I couldn't
    wear contac lenses as I got near the end. My eye doctor said it
    was because "everything" increases in size. My eyes were slightly
    swollen.
    
       I was able to wear them after the pregnancy. 
    
       My blood pressure also got slightly higher as I got closer to the
    end. Then it went down to normal after. Maybe have that checked just
    to see if it's elevated. 
    
       Sounds like normal stuff in some ways, but just for reassurance
    I would talk to the doctor and if he feels you should see your dentist,
    do that also. 
    
       I don't know if this helps but it did bring that reminder back
    for me when I went to the eye doctor because of my eye problems.
    
    
         Rosie
    

    
    I can attest to the bloody gums.  In fact, my dentist claims that he can 
    look at a woman's mouth and if she is even 12 weeks pregnant tell from
    the size/inflamation of the gums.  He recommends more frequent
    cleanings, if possible, and also recommended using Mentadent, a tooth
    paste with baking soda/hydrogen peroxide.   He also told me that in the
    old days the toothless old women became toothless often from having so
    many children, and poor dental care.
    
    ...rke
    

    I have it to a small degree also. I notice alittle blood when I blow my
    nose in the morning. I do think a vaporizer or humidifier would help. 
    I do sleep with my head elevated and this doesn't clear up the problem. 
    But it does help with congestion. I've had a couple of colds already. I
    seem to be catching everything my son comes down with. 
    
    Also, my gums bleed more easier especially after flossing. I talked to
    my dental hygenist about it during my last cleaning about a month ago.
    She said it is normal and due to hormone levels and you just do the
    best job you can at keeping them clean (flossing). I rinse with
    Listerine after flossing to get rid of any bad taste. 
    
    Hang in there! And do mention it to your OB if you're bleeding alot.
    Maybe he/she will have other/more suggestions that will help you. 
    
    Karen

	My dentist recommended cleanings every 3 months while
	pregnant.  Insurance will pay for 1 every 6 months, so
	you'd have to pay for one by yourself.  (I didn't take
	his advice, but also didn't have bleeding gums.  Nosebleeds,
	yes!)

    
    Thanks for the reassuring notes and all the helpful advice.
    
    I called my OB's office and told them about the problem.  They said 
    although bleeding nose and gums are common in pregnancy but if it 
    persists they would recommend that I call my primary care physician.
    He/she may check for sinus infection or other problems and recommend 
    some treatment.  I haven't seen my pcp yet but I did start running 
    a humidifier in the bedroom and its been helpful.  I have less bloody 
    nose and sleep better too.
    
    Thanks and good luck to all of you,
    Susan    
                                       

    
    
    Hi Susan,
    
    I'm glad to hear that things are improving.
    
    Next time you go to the doctor, ask him if your 
    blood pressure has gone up.
    
    I'm just a little curious because (as mentioned
    by someone else) it occured to me that I started
    getting the bloody noses about the time the doctor
    noticed that my blood pressure had gone up.  
    
    Just curious....
    
    /Kristin