Eye twitching is a common problem we sometimes encounter. The good thing is that we should not worry, as it is not a serious problem and will resolve on its own. In pregnancy, several changes in the body cause many symptoms, i.e., nausea, cravings, missed periods, and sometimes eye twitching.
Eye twitching is an involuntary, repetitive spasm or movement of the eyelid muscles, usually occurring in the upper eyelid but can happen in both. It feels like a small flutter or jump in the eyelid and can last for a few seconds to several minutes.
In medical terms, it is called myokymia. Eye twitching during pregnancy can be due to multiple causes. Let’s explore what causes it and treat it.
Is Eye Twitching Normal During Pregnancy?
Yes, eye twitching is generally considered normal during pregnancy, especially when it happens occasionally and without other symptoms. You don’t need to worry about it. Many women experience minor muscle spasms in the eyelids due to the hormonal, emotional, and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.
Possible Causes of Eye Twitching during Pregnancy
There are multiple causes of eye twitches during pregnancy.
1-Stress and anxiety
Growing new life in your tummy is not easy. You have to experience a number of challenges in an emotional and psychological way. So pregnancy brings lots of stress. This activates your brain and causes muscles in your eyes to twitch.
2-Hormonal fluctuations
Estrogen and progesterone are increased in pregnancy, and these hormones affect nerve sensitivity. This increased sensitivity causes muscle irritability in the eyes and results in twitching of eyelids.
3-Fatigue and lack of sleep
Pregnant women often struggle with sleep disturbances, especially in the second and third trimesters. Lack of rest puts strain on your body and eyes, making eye twitching more likely to occur. This not only causes eye twitching in pregnancy but also keeps you away from your baby dreams.
4-Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Potassium and magnesium are more prone to imbalance in pregnancy. These minerals are required for nerve and muscular functions. Imbalances of these minerals cause twitches and cramps in the eye and other body parts.
5-Eye Strain
In pregnancy, women are more eager to learn about the ongoing process and have plenty of time to rest. Their screen time increases, and they learn to search about their pregnancy. This increase in screen time puts pressure on the eyes, which causes muscle fatigue and twitching.
6-Caffeine Intake
Most of us start our day with a cup of tea or coffee, which adds the sensation of energy to our mornings. Moderation is normal for the body, but taking it in huge amounts in pregnancy alerts the stimulator system of our brain and activates muscles in the body, and this can be the cause of Eye twitching in pregnancy.
7-Dehydration
Pregnant women need more fluids in their bodies, as it is essential for the mother and also the growth of the child in the womb. Lack of maintaining the fluid balance in the body can lead to dehydration. This affects the electrolyte balance and muscle strength, and results in twitching of the muscles.
8-Dry Eyes
Pregnancy is a hormonal process. It affects almost every part of the body. It also decreases the tear production and causes dry eyes; as a result, the blinking and twitching ability of the eye increases.
When to Worry About Eye Twitching
In most cases, eye twitching during pregnancy is harmless and goes away on its own. However, there are situations where persistent or unusual twitching may be a sign of an underlying issue. You should consult your doctor if
- Twitching Lasts Longer Than a Week.
- Complete or Forceful Eyelid Closure
- Eye Pain, Redness, or Swelling Occurs
- You Have a History of Neurological Conditions
If your eyelid closes completely during a twitch or you find it hard to open your eye, this may suggest a condition like blepharospasm, which needs medical evaluation. If you face the above conditions, consult your doctor.
Home remedies to stop Eye twitching during pregnancy
The best thing about the muscle twitching is that you don’t need to worry or panic about it. Do these things to relieve it
Take rest
Fatigue causes eye twitching in pregnancy. Take a rest for the relaxation of the muscles and mind. Resting helps to regain the strength of our body parts.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Make a timetable out of your stressful timetable, like deep breathing, prenatal yoga, meditation, or guided relaxation. This reduces the stimulation of the nervous system and eye twitching.
Stay hydrated
Take plenty of fluids and drinks to maintain the electrolytes and fluid level. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water to maintain healthy muscle activity and strength.
Magnesium-rich foods
Eat magnesium-rich foods to meet the mineral requirement. Magnesium helps in improving bone health, energy production, and heart health.
Myths About Eye Twitching and Pregnancy
Across the world, eye twitching is surrounded by interesting superstitions and traditional beliefs. While these vary from place to place, they often have nothing to do with medical facts.
Good or Bad Luck
In many cultures, a twitch in the right eye is often seen as a sign of good luck or positive news, while a twitch in the left eye is thought to bring misfortune or serve as a warning.
Gender-Specific Meanings
Some traditions even interpret twitching differently for men and women. For example, in some parts of the world, twitching in one eye is considered to be good for men, while in other parts, it is considered good for women.
Someone Thinking or Talking About You
A popular piece of folklore claims that if your eye twitches, it means someone somewhere is thinking about you or talking behind your back. While this makes for an intriguing story, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea.
Spiritual or Mystical Messages
Certain spiritual communities consider eye twitching a message from the universe or a higher power. However, from a medical perspective, it’s simply a harmless muscle spasm, often linked to fatigue, stress, or eye strain.
Medical treatment if it’s serious
In rare cases, eye twitching can be a sign of a more serious problem. You should see a doctor if you notice twitching in your mid-face, lower face, or eyebrows. If the twitching keeps getting worse and doesn’t go away, it could be due to a condition called blepharospasm, which is more common in women than in men.
There are treatments for repeated or severe twitching, but some are not safe to use during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest these options after delivery:
Botox injections—A small amount of Botox is injected into the eyelid muscles. This relaxes or “freezes” the muscles, stopping the twitching.
Oral medicines—Certain medicines taken by mouth can help control twitching in some people.
Surgery—In very severe cases, a surgeon can remove certain muscles or nerves in the eyelid to stop the twitching.
If you are pregnant, you should wait until delivery and then go for the medical treatment if it is serious.
Can Eye Twitching Affect the Baby?
No, there is no relation between eye twitches in a baby. We have seen all the possible causes of eye twitching during pregnancy. You should be concerned if the twitching is accompanied by other symptoms like facial weakness, vision changes, or persistent spasms that don’t improve.
FAQS
What does it mean when your eye twitches?
Eye twitches, also called myokymia, are an involuntary movement of eye muscles. This can be due to fatigue, dehydration, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Most of the time, it is not a serious problem until it persists for a long time.
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Eye Twitches?
Many vitamins affect nerves and muscles. Magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12 directly maintain muscle and nerve health, so deficiency of these can cause eye twitches.
Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Eye Twitching?
Yes, hormonal imbalances are the major cause of eye twitching. In pregnancy, there are a lot of hormonal changes that cause the eye muscles to twitch, and the frequency of twitching increases.