Pregnancy, Labor & Eye Pressure: What
You Need to Know!
What
could pregnancy, labor and your eye pressure have to do with one another? For the clear majority of “new moms to be”
the thought of their upcoming labor can cause them to voice concerns about
their physical as well as emotional wellbeing. Typically, your obstetrician
will be a sound source of information about what to expect in terms of pain,
discomfort and how they will help you manage the physical discomfort and stress
of labor. From time to time we have a patient who is pregnant and who has a family
history of glaucoma or is perhaps “ocular hypertensive,” meaning that they have
had a high intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement as part of their annual
routine eye exam who shares their concern about the physical stress of labor
and if there is any chance of eye and optic nerve damage during delivery.
Fortunately, recent data from a study we reviewed in the Journal of Glaucoma showed us that eye
pressure and blood flow into the optic nerve during the various stages of
vaginal labor are not changed and there is no increased risk to those who have
a family history of glaucoma or high eye pressure. Mom’s to be can put this fear
to rest!
If
you are pregnant and have a family history of glaucoma or have been told that
you at risk for glaucoma due to a high eye pressure, please be reassured that
labor and delivery will not expose you to greater risk. It is important however
to continue your regular eye exams-even during pregnancy-and especially if you
experience any changes in your vision or general eye health! Please call Center for Sight – 508-730-2020, Fall River - to schedule
an appointment.
Center for Sight is located in the Narragansett Mill at 1565 North
Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, MA, and is conveniently located for
patients throughout the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
