37 Weeks Pregnant and Itchy Eyes
Symptoms such as itchy eyes tend to worsen during the end of your pregnancy. Itchy eyes during your 37th week of pregnancy are sometimes so bothersome that they interrupt daytime activities and sleep. Because they sometimes worsen or lead to an infection if left untreated, it is important to understand why itchy eyes occur during pregnancy and how you can relieve symptoms.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Symptoms
Itchy eyes while you are 37 weeks pregnant vary from minor to extreme. Itching sometimes occurs off and on throughout the day, or lingers chronically through the rest of your pregnancy. Besides the eyes, itching often occurs in your ears, nose and throat. Additional symptoms often include:
- burning
- the sensation of grittiness in your eyes
- sneezing
- a runny nose
- mucus discharge
- light sensitivity
- the production of excess tears
Wearing contact lenses often makes symptoms worse.
- Itchy eyes while you are 37 weeks pregnant vary from minor to extreme.
- Itching sometimes occurs off and on throughout the day, or lingers chronically through the rest of your pregnancy.
Triggers
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Your hormones fluctuate during pregnancy; particularly, the male androgen hormones decline 1. This hormonal change decreases the amount of tears that your eyes produce, which often results in itching and dryness. In addition, pregnancy tends to exacerbate allergies, making you more susceptible to allergens such as animal dander, dust mites and pollen. An infection of the eye, such as conjunctivitis, or getting a foreign object in the eye, also triggers itchy eyes during pregnancy.
- Your hormones fluctuate during pregnancy; particularly, the male androgen hormones decline 1.
- This hormonal change decreases the amount of tears that your eyes produce, which often results in itching and dryness.
Home Remedies
Run a humidifier throughout your house to add moisture to the air and soothe itchy eyes. Gently rub your forefingers over your eyelids to help push mucus and fluid out of the glands of your eyelids, which helps relieve symptoms. Place a warm compress over your eyelids to ease discomfort and itching. Clean your eyes carefully with a wet cotton ball to remove any crusty discharge or foreign objects. If your doctor approves, use artificial teardrops or an over-the-counter ointment designed for itchy eyes.
- Run a humidifier throughout your house to add moisture to the air and soothe itchy eyes.
- If your doctor approves, use artificial teardrops or an over-the-counter ointment designed for itchy eyes.
Considerations
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Go to your optometrist or general doctor if your itchy eyes are severe, continue to worsen as you approach your due date or interfere with your eating or sleeping patterns. A doctor can ensure that you do not have an infection, scarring or foreign objects in your eye. He can also prescribe an allergen medication or antibiotic eyedrops that can be used safely during the last few weeks of your pregnancy.
Related Articles
References
- BabyCenter; Stuffy Nose During Pregnancy; February 2011
- KidsHealth; Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis); July 2009
- "Parenting"; On Call: Itchy Eyes; Claire McCarthy
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- "The Itchy Eye: Diagnosis, Management of Ocular Pruritis". Ophthalmic Pearls. EyeNet Magazine. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 17 Jan 16.
- "Allergic Conjunctivitis." Familydoctor.org Jan 06. American Academy of Family Physicians. 02 Apr 07.
- "Allergies and Hay Fever." U.S Food and Drug Administration Aug 2005. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 02 Apr 2007.
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Writer Bio
Rose Erickson has been a professional writer since 2010. She specializes in fitness, parenting, beauty, health, nutrition and saving money, and writes for several online publications including The Krazy Coupon Lady. She is also a novelist and a mother of three.