Needing Glasses After Pregnancy?

Noticed your vision getting worse during pregnancy? It's not just a coincidence! Blurred vision during pregnancy is common, and it can be either a temporary change or it may become permanent.

Pregnancy definitely changes us from the inside out. Women experience growth in our breasts; our hips and pelvis expand; our womb will grow between 500 and 1,000 times its original size. But you may be noticing a few unexpected changes to other features, including in your vision! So what causes this phenomenon?

During pregnancy, your adrenal glands are busily making and releasing hormones into your body that are needed to sustain both your health and the health and function of your growing baby. Among these necessary hormone releases are two important hormones called aldosterone and cortisol.

Aldosterone - Helps regulate your blood pressure by managing the levels of sodium and potassium in your blood and impacting blood volume.

Cortisol - Helps control your body's use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and regulates your body's stress response.

Each of these hormones is released in larger quantities during pregnancy, and an interesting side effect of the elevated levels of these hormones is something called edema, or fluid retention. You may have noticed mild fluid retention throughout your pregnancy, but especially during the last part of the second trimester or during the third trimester. Some symptoms of excess retained fluid could include swollen legs and feet, enlarged fingers and facial features, and... slightly blurred vision!

That's right. Fluid retention during pregnancy can cause physical changes in your eyes' structure and shape. Incredibly, this can lead to refractive changes, and may or may not result in a new eyeglasses prescription!

When mild, these symptoms are somewhat common. But keep in mind that severe, sudden-onset symptoms are red flags for a more serious underlying issue - preeclampsia. If you experience swelling in your face, hands or feet without warning, if you have a sudden migraine, or if you notice your vision degrading very quickly, these are signals to call your care provider immediately.

Mild fluid retention, while not necessarily dangerous, can still be uncomfortable! Here are a few simple ways you can reduce swelling while during pregnancy:

• Blood Flow - The fluids in your body need to keep moving. Regular walking and gentle movement will help with healthy blood flow and circulation - a great way to minimize swelling during pregnancy! Prenatal massage is another way to get your blood flowing and reduce swelling. Exercise and massage are both topics we cover in-depth in my Comprehensive Birth Class.

• Diet Changes - You can combat excess fluid retention by reducing your salt and sugar intake. Just remember that sodium and glucose are still vital nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, so these should not be completely eliminated from your diet. It's best to ask your provider or a dietician what would be a healthy adjustment for your specific situation.

• Hydration - It may seem counterintuitive to add more liquid, but drinking more water will help keep swelling at bay by encouraging fluids to circulate and eliminate more quickly.

If you're experiencing changes to your vision that last longer than a few months postpartum, it may be time to check in with your optometrist. While blurry vision could self correct, in some cases the changes are permanent. But not to worry - with so many stylish glasses frames to choose from you'll still remain your fabulous, beautiful self - now with a cute new accessory!

What about you? Did you experience vision changes during your pregnancy?