That little flutter in your eyelid? It’s called eye twitching, or eyelid myokymia, and it’s caused by involuntary spasms in your eyelid muscles.
While it can be annoying, eye twitching during pregnancy is usually harmless. It is a common symptom, and most pregnant people experience it at some point.
This article will explore the possible causes of eye twitching during pregnancy, what you can do to manage it, and when it’s time to call a doctor.
What is eye twitching?
Eye twitching, or eyelid myokymia, refers to when the muscles in your eyelid spasm without you telling them to. It’s involuntary.
There are a few different types of eye twitches. The most common is myokymia, which causes short, sporadic twitches. Rarer, more severe types include blepharospasm and hemifacial spasms.
Eye twitches are typically caused by lifestyle factors and are harmless. But in some cases, they can point to an underlying health condition.
Can Pregnancy Cause Eye Twitching?
Yes, pregnancy can cause eye twitching. But don’t count on it as an early sign!
During pregnancy, hormone levels go through major shifts, and these can affect how your muscles work. Pregnancy can also cause stress and fatigue, which are both common triggers for eye twitching.
However, if you’re trying to conceive, the stress and anxiety around trying to get pregnant can also cause eye twitching! So, while pregnancy can be a factor, eye twitching alone isn’t a very reliable indication that you’re expecting.
What Causes Eye Twitching During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy comes with a whole host of changes, and some of them can be downright weird. If you’re experiencing eye twitching, also known as myokymia, you’re probably wondering what’s behind it. Here are some possible causes:
Physiological Causes
- Stress and anxiety: Stress revs up your nervous system, which can trigger muscle spasms. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga to ease your stress.
- Fatigue and lack of sleep: Growing a baby is hard work, and fatigue is a common side effect. Make sure you’re getting enough rest. Naps can be your friend!
- Eye strain and screen time: Staring at screens for too long can strain your eyes, leading to twitching. Reduce screen time and take frequent breaks to give your eyes a rest.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Prenatal vitamins are crucial during pregnancy. Deficiencies in magnesium, potassium, and calcium can sometimes cause muscle spasms, including eye twitching.
- Caffeine and other stimulants: Too much caffeine can overstimulate your nervous system, potentially triggering eye twitching. Try cutting back on coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
Pathological Causes
Sometimes, eye twitching can be a sign of something more serious:
- Hypertensive disorders (preeclampsia): Eye twitching can, in rare cases, be a symptom of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. If you experience eye twitching along with other symptoms like high blood pressure, swelling, or vision changes, seek immediate medical attention.
- Other underlying medical conditions: Rarer conditions like essential blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm can cause eye twitching. These conditions require a medical diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can preeclampsia cause eye twitching?
Yes, eye twitching can be a symptom of preeclampsia, a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy.
Other symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in your hands and feet
- Protein in your urine (proteinuria)
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes
Preeclampsia is dangerous for both the mother and the baby. If you think you may have preeclampsia, seek immediate medical attention.
How to treat eye twitching while pregnant
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to treat eye twitching while you’re pregnant.
Lifestyle adjustments
- Reduce stress. Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and stress can manifest in all sorts of physical symptoms. Try to incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as prenatal yoga, meditation, or even just spending some time outdoors.
- Tweak your diet. Make sure you’re eating a well-balanced diet with lots of essential nutrients. Magnesium, potassium, and calcium are all important for muscle function. Good sources of magnesium include nuts, leafy greens, and avocados. Bananas are a great source of potassium, and dairy products and leafy greens can supply calcium.
- Minimize eye strain. Take frequent breaks from screens, and follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Consider using blue light filtering glasses, especially if you’re on screens a lot.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Dehydration and lack of sleep can both contribute to muscle spasms. Make sure you’re drinking enough water and getting enough rest, including naps if possible.
Home remedies
- Warm and cool compresses. Warm compresses can help relax the muscles around your eye, while cool compresses can reduce inflammation. Experiment with both to see which works best for you.
- Eye drops. If dry eyes are contributing to your eye twitching, try using over-the-counter natural tears.
Other Common Eye Problems During Pregnancy
Eye twitching isn’t the only eye issue that can crop up during pregnancy. Many women report:
- Eye spasms
- Eye floaters
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Blurry vision
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
These problems are often linked to hormonal shifts and water retention, both of which are common during pregnancy. If you’re concerned about any changes in your vision, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Eye twitching that won’t go away
- Severe eye twitching
- Eye twitching with other symptoms
- Changes in your vision or vision loss
- Drooping eyelids
- Pain or fever
Eye twitching can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, like preeclampsia.
The Bottom Line
Eye twitching is a common and usually harmless annoyance during pregnancy. Often, it’s triggered by stress, fatigue, or hormonal changes. Fortunately, simple changes in your daily habits and some easy home remedies can often ease the symptoms.
That said, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider if your eye twitching is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as facial spasms, vision changes, or severe headaches.
During pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to prioritize your health and well-being, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you have any concerns.