Vision problems in pregnancy

Vision problems such as blurring or flashing lights in your eyes could be caused by:

• a migraine
• pregnancy induced hypertension (high blood pressure in pregnancy). This is a type of high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks and goes away within 6 weeks of the baby's birth. It’s also known as gestational high blood pressure or gestational hypertension.
  
• water retention, which may affect the front of your eyes and change your vision slightly
• pre-eclampsia.
  

Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition that usually happens after 20 weeks. Other symptoms can include:

• a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet
• a very bad headache or a dull headache that won’t go away
• severe pain just below your ribs
• feeling sick or vomiting
• feeling unwell.

Read more about pre-eclampsia.

If you have any vision problems – even if you don’t have any other symptoms – call your midwife or hospital maternity unit straight away.