Eye Twitching During Pregnancy: Causes and Relief

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Are you facing eye twitching in pregnancy? Don't worry. Eyelid twitching is common during pregnancy and is usually harmless. Common triggers include stress, tiredness, lack of sleep, dry eyes and caffeine.
Eye Twitching
Eye twitching is a repeated, involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscle. It usually affects one eyelid at a time and feels like a flutter or small jump.

It is painless and harmless, but it can be annoying. Most twitches are mild and don't close the eye. They tend to come and go, sometimes for a few days or weeks.
Causes Of Eye Twitching Pregnancy
There can be many reasons for eye twitching during pregnancy. Stress, dry eye, too much caffeine and lack of sleep are common triggers of eyelid twitching in anyone, and pregnancy can bring all of them.
Some of the reasons that cause eye twitching in pregnancy are described below:
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Stress:
Stress is a common trigger of eye twitching. Pregnancy brings big physical and emotional changes, and it is normal to feel worried at times. Relaxation, rest and talking to someone you trust can help. If you feel anxious or low most days, tell your healthcare provider.
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A Bad Diet:
During pregnancy, a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals is a priority for you and your baby. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein foods, which can also help prevent problems like constipation. There is little evidence that a specific vitamin or mineral shortage causes eye twitching, so ask your provider before taking any extra supplements.
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Tiredness
Growing a baby is hard work. Hormonal changes, poor sleep and the extra weight you carry can leave you very tired. Tiredness and lack of sleep are common triggers of eye twitching.
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Dry eyes
People normally blink about 15 times a minute, but only about 5 to 7 times a minute while using screens. Your eyes then don't get the moisture they need. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can also make eyes drier, and dry eyes can trigger twitching.
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Eyestrain
Many of us spend hours on computers, tablets and smartphones, and that can strain the eyes. (You may even have landed on this article by searching for information about eye twitching during pregnancy.) Taking regular screen breaks can help.
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Caffeine
Too much caffeine can trigger eye twitching. During pregnancy, experts advise limiting caffeine to less than 200 mg a day. Remember that tea, cola and chocolate also contain caffeine.
Treatment of eye twitching pregnancy
Eye twitching usually goes away on its own, though it may come and go over days or weeks. These steps can help:
- Manage stress and rest when you can.
- Eat a healthy diet and do exercise approved by your provider.
- Get enough sleep.
- Take breaks from time to time from the computer screen.
- Blink often, and use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry.
- Keep caffeine under 200 mg a day.
- Don't rub your eyes when they are itchy, swollen, watery or tired.
Talk to your doctor if the twitching lasts more than a few weeks, makes your eyelid close completely, spreads to other parts of your face, or comes with a drooping eyelid, redness, swelling or discharge. Check with your provider before using any eye drops or medicines while pregnant.
HP Thoughts: It is common knowledge that pregnant women must take care of themselves to avoid any discomforts in the future. One regimen they do is keeping their skin supple and soft during pregnancy. Know some tips: Pregnancy Safe Skincare.
Conclusion
Eye twitching is an involuntary spasm of the eyelid. In pregnancy it is often linked to stress, tiredness, dry eyes or caffeine, and it is usually harmless and goes away on its own.
Rest, keep your eyes moist, limit caffeine and eat a healthy diet. See your doctor if the twitching lasts for weeks or comes with other symptoms.
Sources
- Blepharospasm, National Eye Institute
- Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy, ACOG
- Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain, American Academy of Ophthalmology


