After intense pushing during the second stage of labor, you could experience bloodshot eyes postpartum. Pushing and straining raise your blood pressure, which can cause broken capillaries and red eyes. But don’t worry – bloodshot eye are generally harmless and resolve within two weeks. If you’re experiencing changes in vision, pain, or have mucous seeping from your eyes, call your provider.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What causes bloodshot eyes after childbirth?
- Is there anything I can do about bloodshot eyes?
- When should I call the doctor about my bloodshot eyes?
What causes bloodshot eyes after childbirth?
You finally get the okay to use the bathroom on your own after childbirth – and then you glance in the mirror and see bloodshot eye. Are red eyes normal after giving birth? In short, yes.
Sometimes the intense pushing during the second stage of labor can cause bloodshot eye postpartum. Coughing, vomiting, or straining can also cause bloodshot eye. These actions briefly raise the blood pressure in your veins, resulting in broken capillaries and pink or red streaks in the conjunctiva and sclera of your eye, which are usually white. Not to mention, some women undergo multi-day inductions which can also leave women sleep-deprived and exhausted, another cause for bloodshot eyes after birth.
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you take certain blood-thinning medications, you’re more susceptible to bloodshot eyes after pregnancy, but the condition can affect anyone.
Is there anything I can do about bloodshot eyes?
Bloodshot eyes postpartum will resolve on their own without treatment. Red eyes go away as your body reabsorbs the blood. To get rid of red eyes at home, try these remedies:
- Over the counter artificial tears. Many doctors recommend preservative-free lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears. You can use these up to four times a day.
- A cold compress. Apply a cool compress or washcloth on your closed eyes for five to 10 minutes, a few times a day.
- Avoid irritants such as smoke, pollen, and pet dander. These can worsen your red eyes.
- Use clean towels and pillowcases daily. Swap out towels and bedding every day if you can.
- Focus on rest and sleep. It’s almost impossible to get enough rest after birth, but do your best to try and nap when your baby is sleeping or someone else is there to help.
Like a bruise, bloodshot eyes after pregnancy generally disappear within one to two weeks.
When should I call the doctor about my bloodshot eyes?
If you have bloodshot eyes and any of these more serious symptoms, be sure to call your provider right away:
- A headache with blurred vision
- Mental confusion
- Seeing halos around lights
- Pain in or around your eyes
- Eyes that are seeping or encrusted with mucous
- Fever or overall sickness
- Any other bleeding on your body
Red eyes look worse than they really are and shouldn’t cause any change in vision, discharge, or pain. You might have a scratchy feeling on the surface of your eye – this is normal. Every mom’s postpartum recovery looks different, but the good news is bloodshot eyes are typically no reason to worry.
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