Hook: Pregnant and noticing puffy eyelids—especially in the morning or after a long day? 🤰👀 You’re not alone. Most eye swelling in pregnancy is harmless, but a few red flags deserve quick attention.
What causes eye swelling in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body holds more fluid and your hormones (oestrogen & progesterone) relax blood vessels. This can lead to:
- Fluid retention around the eyelids (mild, both-sided puffiness).
- Tear film changes, making eyes feel dry or gritty.
- Contact lens intolerance—lenses may feel tight or uncomfortable.
These changes are common in the 2nd–3rd trimester and usually settle after delivery.
When is it not normal? (Please seek medical care)
Contact your doctor urgently or go to Emergency if you have:
- Sudden swelling with severe headache, visual changes (blur/double vision, flashing lights), nausea/vomiting, or pain under the right ribs — could be pre-eclampsia (serious).
- One-sided painful red swelling, fever, or decreased vision.
- Swelling after an eye injury.
- Swelling that persists >72 hours, keeps coming back, or is associated with pus.
If you’re unsure, get checked—better to be safe for you and baby.
Simple, safe home care (pengurusan di rumah)
- Cold compress 5–10 minutes, 2–3×/day. (Clean cloth, chilled—not frozen—gel pack.)
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated; try left-side sleeping to ease fluid pooling.
- Hydrate consistently; reduce very salty foods and late-night snacks.
- Blink breaks during screen time; use preservative-free artificial tears if eyes are dry.
- Gentle lid hygiene:Â cleanse lash line with diluted baby shampoo or lid wipes if oily or flaky.
- Contact lenses: shorten wear time or switch to glasses for comfort.
- Allergy-prone? Cool compress + saline rinses may help. Avoid new medications (even “natural” drops) unless your obstetrician/eye doctor approves.
What if it’s a stye (ketumbit)?
A stye is a tender, red bump at the lid margin caused by a blocked oil gland.
Do:
- Warm compress (not hot) 5–10 minutes, 2–4×/day.
- Gentle massage toward the lash line after warm compress.
- Keep hands clean; remove eye makeup before sleep.
Avoid:
- Squeezing or popping (can worsen infection).
- Sharing towels or eye cosmetics.
See an eye doctor if the swelling is large, very painful, affecting vision, or not improving after a few days.
Will it affect my baby?
Typical mild puffiness from fluid retention does not harm your baby. The main concern is if swelling comes with the warning signs above, especially symptoms of pre-eclampsia—that needs urgent assessment by your obstetrician.
FAQs
1) Can I use cold tea bags or cucumber slices?
Cold compresses are the active part—tea/cucumber mainly add moisture and coolness. Use a clean cold compress to reduce risk of irritation.
2) Will it go away after delivery?
For most mums, yes—swelling improves within a few weeks postpartum as hormones and fluid balance normalise.
3) Are eye drops safe in pregnancy?
Preservative-free lubricants are generally safe. For medicated drops (antibiotics, anti-allergy, steroids), please check with your doctor first.
4) Can facials or eye massages help?
Gentle lymphatic-style massage may reduce puffiness, but avoid pressure on the eye itself and stop if any pain or redness occurs.
When to see an eye specialist in PJ
If your swelling is persistent, one-sided, painful, or you’re just worried, I’m happy to check your eyes and reassure you. I see patients at Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya. You can request an appointment via eyekath.com or through the hospital’s appointment desk.
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