Eye twitching, the involuntary blinking of eyelids, occurs due to eyelid muscle spasms. This can result from a number of known causes, the main ones being stress, anxiety, insomnia and fatigue. While it can be bothersome, eye twitching while pregnant is rarely an indication of any serious medical conditions. However, in case you have eye twitching or blinking that won’t go away, you should consult your doctor for assistance. 

Eye Twitching During Pregnancy: Causes and Remedies

1.       Stress

Many expectant mothers experience stress and anxiety at various times during pregnancy. Stress is the leading cause of eye twitching or eye spasm during pregnancy.

Remedy

Try to avoid stress triggers as much as possible. Take plenty of rest and engage in stress relieving activities such as meditation, reading and listening to music that soothe you. It is also important to eat a healthy diet and to exercise.

2.       Mineral and Vitamin Deficiency

Eye twitching can also be caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium.

Remedy

To prevent eye twitching due to mineral and vitamin deficiencies, eat vitamin and mineral-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Take supplements if necessary.

3.       Allergies

Some cases of eye spasms happen in people who are allergic to pollen during certain seasons of the year. Pollen can cause severe eye irritation and spasms.

Remedy

Make sure that you keep your eyes hydrated during such seasons. Your doctor can also prescribe appropriate antihistamines that suit you. Keep your allergy medicine with you everywhere you go.

4.       Dry Eyes

Eye twitching during pregnancy due to dry eyes is a common problem, especially if you sit in front of a computer screen the whole day.

Remedy

Take short breaks after every one hour and use artificial tears if needed.

5.       Eye Strain

Straining of the eyes is usually associated with dry eyes. Sitting in front of a computer or television screen for hours on end without taking needed breaks is the main cause. Eye strain can also result from spending lots of time in the sun.

Remedy

Make sure your screen has been fitted with an anti-glare cover or wear anti-glare specs whenever you use a computer. Wearing sunglasses whenever you step out in bright sun will also help. In case your eyes are twitching, treat them by covering them with cucumber slices to relieve stress.

6.       Alcohol or Caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine are a relaxant and a stimulant respectively. Excess intake can cause eye twitches.

Remedy

Limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine. Doctors recommend staying hydrated by drinking plain water or juices, and eating as much natural food as possible since sugar can also cause eye spasm.

7.       Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching

Some people unknowingly or subconsciously grind their teeth and clench their jaws, especially when they are deep asleep. These activities cause muscle strains around the jaws and can result in eye twitches.

Remedy

If you fall under this category and suffer eye twitching during pregnancy, wearing a mouth guard at night can help. You can also massage your inner and outer jaws. This exercise is said to work wonders.

8.       Dehydration

Dehydration during pregnancy brings a myriad of problems. Dehydration also causes spasms of the eyelids.

Remedy

Take plenty of water. It improves your general health and that of your baby, and also helps to stabilize electrolyte levels, which prevents muscle spasms.

9.       Certain Medication

There are medications whose side effects are eye twitches.

Remedy

Make sure you talk to your doctor about the medications that you are taking to see if any of them might be causing eye twitches during pregnancy.

10.     Improper Eyeglass

Your spectacles’ prescription may change during pregnancy, especially if you have gestational diabetes. You may be unable to focus on objects properly, which can strain your eyes and lead to eye twitches.

Remedy

Have your optician assess your eyesight situation and determine whether you may need a new set of glasses.

When to See a Doctor

Eye twitching during pregnancy can in rare cases be a sign of a major health problem such as hypoglycemia, Tourette’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and nervous system disorders.

In case you try all possible remedies without getting relief from eye twitches, you should see a doctor without further delay. Remember that you should not take things for granted when pregnant. You want to bring forth a healthy baby, and ruling out any serious problem is one way to achieve this.