8 Common Causes of Eye Twitching During Pregnancy, and Treatment

You might be wondering why you’re having trouble sleeping at night. You’re not alone!

Many people go through the same thing when they become pregnant, and it all has to do with changes in hormones.

When a person becomes pregnant, their body starts producing more estrogen and progesterone.

These two hormones cause muscles in the uterus to contract, which causes an increase in blood flow to your eyes.

This can lead to eye twitches while you are trying to sleep or during other daily activities like driving or watching TV.

During pregnancy, eye twitching is very frequent and usually harmless and brief.

Pregnancy can be a highly stressful experience, and stress is the most common cause of eye twitching.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as tiredness experienced throughout pregnancy, are all potential causes of eye twitching.

Pregnancy-related eye twitching is usually minor, but in rare circumstances, more powerful eye spasms might be a symptom of a significant underlying problem.

If eye twitching continues or interferes with vision, further treatment may be required, although simple measures to help reduce eye twitching are often all that is needed.

In this blog post, we will discuss 8 common reasons why your eye is twitching during pregnancy!

Causes and treatments of eye twitching during pregnancy

There are a number of reasons and behaviors that may be linked to eye twitching while expecting, including stress and tiredness, as well as caffeine intake.

It’s also possible that poor sleep habits, a diet high in sodium, and other factors are to blame for this involuntary trembling of the eyelids.

1. You’re Fatigue

Pregnancy causes tiredness for a variety of reasons, including discomfort, hormonal changes, and difficulty sleeping – just to mention a few.

Eye twitching is frequently the result of tiredness, but it can generally be treated by getting more rest.

Recommended treatment: 

Sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your body and mind, so get plenty of rest every night.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep, consider meditation or learning how to let go at bedtime.

2. You Are Stressed

Extreme tiredness or stress can be brought on by both emotional and physical changes, as well as hormonal changes.

Stress has an effect on the nervous system, causing involuntary eye movements. This happens at any stage of pregnancy.

Recommended treatment: 

Walking and other moderate exercises, such as dancing, can assist in stress reduction. Journaling, meditation, and prenatal yoga are also popular methods to reduce stress and help control eye twitching.

2. Your Eyes are Dry/Strain

During pregnancy, hormones fluctuate, which can lead to dry eyes. If you look at a lot of digital displays for extended periods, this may increase your chances of having dry eyes and/or eye strain. Eyes twitching is another potential effect of dry eyes and/or eye strain.

Recommended treatment: 

Over-the-counter natural tears for dry eyes are another option. To relieve digital eye strain, keep screen time to a minimum or invest in blue light-blocking glasses.

3. You Have a Lack of Vitamin and minerals

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamins and minerals in the body is critical throughout pregnancy.

Vitamins and minerals like iron, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and magnesium aid in the regulation of muscular contractions and are more probable to occur if these vital nutrients are insufficient.

Recommended treatment: 

Take your prenatal vitamins as directed, and add foods high in magnesium (nuts and avocados), potassium (bananas), and calcium (leafy greens) to your daily diet.

4. You’re Drinking too Much Caffeine

Caffeine is fine to consume in moderation throughout pregnancy, although too much can induce involuntary eye spasms and twitching.

Talk to your doctor about the maximum amount of caffeine that’s acceptable during a healthy delivery.

Recommended treatment: 

Reduce your intake of caffeine, which can make you feel tired. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. If you consume coffee or tea on a daily basis, try to offset your consumption by consuming additional glasses of water.

5. Your Medications

Many medicines have a negative influence on the nerves, which can lead to eye spasms.

It is more prevalent in the initial trimester of pregnancy, although it may happen throughout pregnancy.

Treatment: 

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any negative effects, especially if they are severe.

Your doctor can best advise whether or not and how your treatment plan with a particular medication should be modified based on the available information.

6. Vision Swift

Minor changes in vision are typical during pregnancy — especially concerning blurry vision and light sensitivity.

These variations might also induce eye twitching. Although most occurrences of vision change throughout pregnancy are transitory, an underlying cause, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia (due to high blood pressure) could be present.

Treatment: 

If the changes in your vision are affecting your visual acuity, notify your healthcare provider and schedule an eye exam.

7. You’re Dehydrated

Dehydration can cause your body to become tired, leading to twitching eyes.

Be sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day and before bedtime. If you have a hard time remembering when your last drink was, set an alarm on your phone or computer so it reminds you every hour.

8. You Need to Change Your Diet

Although not common, an allergic reaction may be the cause of your eye twitching.

This is because some food sensitivities could lead to discomfort in the eyes and/or trigger involuntary movements like spasms.

If you suspect that dietary changes are triggering or alleviating your eye twitch, consult with a nutritionist.

When is it necessary to visit a doctor for twitching of the eyes during pregnancy?

Twitching of the eye is typical throughout pregnancy and is generally minor and fleeting.

However, if you experience severe twitches or twitching that lead to additional problems such as fever, discomfort, eyelid drooping, or vision obstruction, contact your doctor.

A symptom of a more serious underlying issue may be more severe side effects.

Do not be afraid to inquire about healthy levels of caffeine, vitamins, and minerals with your doctor, since these values may differ from patient to patient.

It might be necessary to make dietary and daily routine adjustments to control eye twitching, but doing so may make life more bearable.

FAQ

what causes eye twitching during pregnancy?

Eye twitching is common during pregnancy and it doesn’t hurt. Stress and tiredness could also cause eye twitching.

Can pregnancy cause eye twitching?

Yes, pregnancy may cause eye twitching. Other causes of eye twitch during pregnancy are fatigue and caffeine addiction.

Is it bad to drink coffee while pregnant?  

No, drinking a moderate amount of coffee is okay throughout your entire pregnancy as long as you don’t have gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

Is aspirin safe for pregnant women to take?

A pregnant woman should check with their doctor before taking aspirin. Aspirin can be dangerous if you already have preeclampsia, and may lead to miscarriage in early pregnancy.

When is it necessary to visit a doctor for eye twitch during pregnancy?    

Eye twitching could happen after stress or tiredness. If you experience severe eye twitching, contact your doctor.

How do I stop my eyelid from twitching?

Eye twitch during pregnancy may be stopped by sleeping well and reducing stress levels.

Stay hydrated with water throughout the day to prevent dry eyes that can lead to an irritated or itchy feeling around the eyes.

Also, eat a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals.

What are some home remedies for eye twitching?

Home remedies include sleeping well, reducing your caffeine intake to prevent fatigue throughout the day, and avoiding activities that cause stress or anxiety. 

Is it safe to drink soda during pregnancy?

No sodas of any kind aren’t ideal during pregnancy due to their high sugar content.

What vitamins are best for eye twitching during pregnancy?

Vitamins and minerals such as C, B-12, folate, iron, and zinc can be taken in moderation while pregnant to reduce the chances of getting fatigued or experiencing stress throughout the day.  

Is it safe to take ibuprofen while pregnant?

It depends on the trimester of pregnancy, and you should ask your doctor before taking any medication.

What can cause eye twitching during pregnancy? 

Eye twitch occurs throughout pregnancy because of stress or tiredness. If it is caused by caffeine addiction or vision problems such as dry eyes, contact your doctor for assistance.

If your eye twitching is accompanied by fever, discomfort, eyelid drooping, or vision obstruction, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy causes the body to go through many changes throughout different stages of pregnancy that are often temporary and harmless.

If you experience severe side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, or itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

What can I do to stop my eye from twitching?

You should get plenty of sleep and reduce caffeine intake throughout the day.  

when should I be worried about eye twitching and headache?

If you experience severe eye twitching, headache and other symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

is eye twitching a sign of early pregnancy?

Eye twitching is common in early pregnancy and doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant.

How much caffeine should I drink while pregnant?

Caffeine can be dangerous if consumed too frequently or in high quantities, so check with your doctor before drinking any caffeinated beverages during your pregnancy.   

What are the effects of caffeine on a baby?

Caffeine consumption can cause a baby to be restless, jittery and have trouble sleeping. It may also lead to low birth weight or other complications during pregnancy.

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