Vision correction in the modern world can occur not only with the help of glasses or operations. For convenience, contact lenses were invented. Often they are intended for continuous wear. But is it possible to give birth in lenses? This question worries future women in labor who have chosen a similar method of vision correction. What do doctors and women themselves think on this issue? Can or cannot contact lenses be worn during childbirth? How dangerous is this technique? And in general, does it play any role for the health of the woman in labor?
Standard visits
To be honest, then immediately answer all the questions asked will not work. The thing is that during pregnancy you have to take the subject of vision very seriously. Consultation with an ophthalmologist is necessary at least 2 times during the period of "interesting situation".
The first examination, as a rule, occurs at the very beginning of pregnancy, in the first trimester, after the woman is registered in the antenatal clinic or in a private clinic. Usually, a visit takes place for 12-14 weeks from the moment of conception. If the future mother is doing well with her eyesight, then the next appointment with the ophthalmologist is scheduled for approximately 30 weeks, before going on maternity leave or after it.
But when it turns out that a woman has some kind of eye diseases and problems, she has to be checked by an ophthalmologist every month. The doctor will have to choose a treatment, and then prepare the future mother as much as possible for childbearing.
Numerous problems are not so scary
Unfortunately, meeting a person without vision problems is now very problematic. Therefore, most likely, most women in labor wear either glasses or contact lenses. And they think about how to give birth. Especially if without corrective objects they feel uncomfortable.
The thing is that to answer whether it is possible to give birth in lenses, definitely will not work. Vision is different for everyone. And eye problems are also manifested to everyone in varying degrees. An unambiguous conclusion can only be made by a doctor. And no one else. It is recommended that you do not resolve the issue yourself. Consultation with an oculist will not hurt.
But along with this, it should be noted that everything is not as scary as it seems. Often, vision problems, even to a severe degree, do not affect the permission to wear lenses during childbirth. This question is individual. Only the consultation of an ophthalmologist will help to determine exactly.
Poor Vision - Not a Sentence
Those who have no problems with the eyes can give birth on their own. And even in color, non-corrective lenses. But what about women whose vision is not very good?
It has already been said that this issue is purely individual. It is rather difficult to conclude without a thorough examination. Many believe that low visual acuity is a sentence. Moreover, it is impossible not only to give birth in lenses, but it is also forbidden to do this on your own. The ophthalmologist, according to numerous opinions, writes out only a caesarean section as a recommendation.
This is actually a false belief. And if a woman thinks about whether it is possible to give birth in contact lenses, and even independently, one should evaluate not so much visual acuity as the general condition of the eyes. Even with poor eyesight, many give birth. And not only on their own, but also in contact lenses.
Is it so dangerous
How dangerous is this step? After all, some give birth even with glasses! There are no prohibitions in maternity hospitals - as a future mother is comfortable, so she can give birth. What do ophthalmologists think about this?
Can I give birth in lenses? The opinion of doctors cannot be called unambiguous. It has already been said that this issue is resolved individually. If there is no problem with vision at all, then you can use tinted lenses . Only this is useless - everything that happens without this thing will be clear. But what about those who have low visual acuity?
With natural childbirth, the eyes are very tight. Therefore, it may happen that the vision "falls." Or tension will cause red vessels in the eyes. On the one hand, in this situation, not just in the lenses, but it is not recommended to give birth on their own. On the other hand, no one is immune from such phenomena. Therefore, theoretically, giving birth in contact lenses is possible. And only in some cases is it either not recommended or prohibited.
Red eyes - is it worth the risk?
Sometimes in women, the vessels in the eyes are red. Should contact lenses be used in this situation? Doctors recommend first to find out why redness appeared. If this is the result of an overstrain or illness, lenses should not be worn.
When it comes to redness caused, for example, due to the ingress of dirt or dust into the eye area, there are no prohibitions. Again, remember that wearing lenses during childbirth is possible. But for an accurate answer, an ophthalmologist is required. This is an individual issue, the solution of which requires a thorough check of the condition of the eyes.
Poor vision and cornea
So, the woman in labor wondered if she could give birth in contact lenses. Any responsible woman will come to the hospital to resolve the issue. Consulting an ophthalmologist here will not be superfluous.
It has already been said that low visual acuity is not a sentence. The overall condition of the eyes is assessed. Great attention is paid to the cornea. Due to the tension that occurs in the eyes during childbirth (even if it is correct to push), retinal detachment may begin. And then huge problems will begin with vision. A woman can generally remain blind. Or visual acuity will drop dramatically.
With poor eyesight, but with a good state of the retina and without problems with the cornea, you can give birth on your own, and even in the lenses. Especially if the eyes accept this correction method well, that is, after prolonged wear, dryness or redness does not occur. Otherwise, it is recommended to refrain from giving birth in the lenses. Moreover, with a poor condition of the retina or a problem cornea of the expectant mother, they can generally prescribe a cesarean section as delivery.
Positive sides
So is it possible to give birth in lenses? In fact yes. But in some cases, this is not recommended. What are the benefits of such a solution? The first and most important thing is that everything that happens will be clear to mom. Especially if the woman in labor has poor eyesight, but the eyes themselves are in perfect condition. Mother will be able to well see the baby in the first minutes of his life.
Further, it is the protection of the eyes from the vacuum, which is formed during the period of attempts in the eyes and eyelids. It is unhealthy. From this appear vessels in the eyes (red). And lenses to some extent protect the cornea.
In the end, in order to give birth well, a woman must feel comfortable. And if for this she needs lenses, she has the right to use them. Indeed, in fact, no optometrist will give clear recommendations regarding the question posed.
disadvantages
Can I give birth in lenses? Yes, but it’s worth remembering that this method of vision correction brings not only advantages, but also not disadvantages. No matter what anyone says, wearing such a correction device limits the flow of oxygen to the eyes. It's not very good. It is possible that there will be dry eyes in a woman in labor.
Also, almost all lenses must be removed during sleep. And for a woman in labor at first, the perception of everything that happens may not be entirely adequate. And it is unlikely that the newly-minted mother will think about the fact that she needs to remove the lenses.
Sensitive eyes during natural birth with this corrective device may suffer. For example, blood vessels burst from tension in the eyes. And in critical situations (with retinal detachment), the lenses will only interfere with medical care.
Three stages
There is one more opinion. The entire period of childbirth can be divided into several parts:
- preparation and opening of the cervix (approximately the first 12 hours);
- labor, attempts (about 30-40 minutes);
- rest, "departure" from childbirth (from 15 minutes or more).
In the first and last period, lenses can be worn. But during the period of active labor, many are advised to refrain from this action. Although all individually. If the retina and cornea are in normal condition, lenses can be used. Especially if you need it for convenience and comfort. Otherwise, it is better to abstain from giving birth in lenses. There are no direct prohibitions, but sometimes it is better to clarify this issue with an ophthalmologist.