The issue of pink eye during pregnancy ought to be dealt with without delay. This extremely contagious condition takes place when the underside of the eyelids ends up being irritated but the membranes over the whites of the eyes might also be affected.
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can be caused by an infection, a bacterial infection, or allergic reactions. It can likewise be caused by a sexually-transmitted disease (STD).
Conjunctivitis, typically referred to as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
While pink eye can be worrying due to the fact that it might make the eyes very red and can spread out quickly, it’s a relatively common condition, it generally disappears within a week and typically causes no long-lasting eye or vision damage.
Pink Eye Causes
Pink eye in pregnant woman can be caused by various things, however mostly by bacteria or infections:
- Foreign body — a piece of sand or dirt stuck under the eyelid can cause inflammation, tearing, pain and drainage. Usually impacts one eye.
- Plugged tear duct — this is an issue for babies approximately one year of age. It is eye drainage without any eye soreness. Impacts one or both eyes.
- Scratched eye — can cause redness, tearing, and is really painful. Affects only one eye.
- Chemical conjunctivitis: Chemicals, fumes, or smoke.
- Dry eyes from absence of tears, like after direct exposure to sun (or wind).
Symptoms of Pink Eye in Pregnancy
Some typical symptoms of pink eye are: swelling of the impacted eyelid, redness, irritation or pain in the eye area, itching or burning.
Bacteria
Pink eye caused by a bacterial infection has to be treated with antibiotics. Watch for eye discharge that is yellow or green in color.
An individual with the bacterial variation of pink eye may get up in the early morning with the affected eye “stuck shut” due to the discharge building up during the night.
A warm washcloth might be used to loosen up the discharge and carefully open the eye Antibiotics through eye drops are typically recommended for bacterial pink eye.
Infection
If the pink eye is caused by a virus, antibiotics will have no effect on the condition. A sign that the pink eye is of the viral type is if the discharge coming from the eye is clear.
Allergic Reaction
When it comes to pink eye caused by an irritant, the pink eye will fix itself when the irritant is gotten rid of from the individual’s environment.
The other option is to treat the condition with antihistamines. Over-the-counter eye drops described as “synthetic tears” may be used to reduce inflammation.
Pink Eye Due to STD
Chlamydia, if left neglected, can cause pink eye in babies in addition to breathing tract infections. If you are pregnant and your doctor doesn’t regularly test for STDs as part of your pregnancy blood work, ask to be evaluated for this as well.
Treatment of Pink Eye in Pregnancy
If you are experiencing symptoms of pink eye during pregnancy or you believe you might be pregnant, you need to be evaluated by a physician. She or he will have the ability to identify what type of pink eye you have contracted and recommend antibiotics, if required.
There are some antibiotics that are considered safe to use during pregnancy, while others have been determined to have a negative effect on the fetus.
Still other medication use during pregnancy is thought about a “grey zone” considering that specialists just do not know enough to identify how its use may affect a growing baby.
The risks of taking any medication during pregnancy need to be weighed versus the benefit to using them to treat a disease or a condition. Since bacterial pink eye can cause more serious infections, you and your doctor might decide that a course of antibiotics is required.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant prior to being recommended any medication. If there is a possibility that you might be pregnant, the doctor must know this reality as well. And this consists of women who are trying to conceive.
Avoiding Pink Eye during Pregnancy
Washing hands typically with warm, soapy water is a great way to avoid pink eye during pregnancy and at other times. Do not share eye drops or cosmetics with others. Use a clean washcloth and towel when cleaning your face.
If you have a pink eye infection or are taking care of someone who has one, clean your hands instantly after touching the afflicted area. Tissues or cotton balls that have been used in the infected area must be gotten rid of quickly.
Keep sheets, pillowcases, and towels the individual affected with pink eye has used separate from the remainder of the family’s laundry. Cleaning these products individually will avoid any contamination in the rest of the linens used by other member of the family.
Health Tips
- Warm compress — hold a warm, wet washcloth versus the eye and gently clean away any drain.
- Saline eye drops– or synthetic tears can sooth the eye whatever the cause. These can also be used to eliminate any sand or dirt stuck in the eye.
- Antibiotic ointment or drops — this is the treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis just.
- Allergic reaction eye drops — there are numerous prescription and non-prescription antihistamine drops that can help minimize eye allergic reactions.
- Visine – these non-prescription drops can assist with soreness and irritation of sore eyes, other than with bacterial conjunctivitis.
Pink eye is typically not serious and must enhance with treatment (don’t despair). You need to call you doctor if the pink eye does not improve after 5 days of treatmentor if it intensifies with changes in vision.
