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Vision and Pregnancy
Eyesight Changes During Pregnancy
By Kelly Burgess
Another eyesight change women may notice is a change in the visual field or some restriction or constriction in the overall visual field. A small series of studies has shown that the pituitary gland enlarges during pregnancy and can cause some pressure on the optic nerves, which can result in some peripheral visual field changes. Dr. Banyas says it's important to mention these vision changes to your physician, as they can be a symptom of some types of tumors. Because of the increase in blood pressure associated with pregnancy, eye problems can also be a warning of an aneurysm impinging on part of the visual tract. Last, vision changes in the third trimester can indicate preeclampsia.
Do keep in mind that the above conditions are rare and are of no concern to the majority of pregnant women. Just be sure and report vision changes to your doctor and see an optometrist.
Most important of all, if you wear contacts, when you pack your bag to go to the hospital be sure to tuck in that spare pair of glasses. Some hospitals don't allow contacts in the labor and delivery rooms. They definitely make you take them out if there's any chance you may have to have a C-section.
Dr. Banyas knows of women who forgot to bring glasses, and labor and delivery passed in a literal blur. Although that's not bad in some ways, it's better to have all your faculties about you – including your sight.
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Vision and Pregnancy by Anonymous on 08/10/2009 10:35AM
This is so true, I had perfect eye sight, but noticed that since I gave birth the first month, my eyesight has been getting more blurred.
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Vision and Pregnancy by Anonymous on 09/25/2009 10:57AM
I have always had great eyedsight but ever since I have had my forth baby things up close appear blurry.