Experiencing visual disturbances, such as “seeing stars,” can be concerning for expectant mothers. Understanding the reasons behind these visual phenomena, from common and generally harmless causes to more serious conditions, can help determine when medical attention is needed.
What “Seeing Stars” Means During Pregnancy
“Seeing stars” or flashing lights during pregnancy refers to perceiving bright spots, sparkles, or light flashes. This sensation, medically termed photopsia, can also include zigzag lines or temporary blind spots. It occurs due to temporary changes in blood flow to the brain or eyes, or affected nerve impulses in visual pathways. While alarming, such visual artifacts are common during pregnancy.
These visual disturbances often arise from the intricate connection between the circulatory system, hormonal shifts, and the delicate structures of the eye and brain. Pregnancy hormones and increased blood volume can influence fluid retention, potentially altering eye shape or structure. The visual system’s sensitivity to these internal changes can lead to transient perceptions of light or patterns.
Common Reasons for Seeing Stars
Several frequent and generally benign factors can contribute to visual disturbances during pregnancy. One common cause is orthostatic hypotension, a temporary drop in blood pressure when changing positions rapidly, such as standing up quickly. This brief reduction in blood flow to the brain and eyes can cause a momentary “seeing stars” sensation. The increased blood volume and the body’s circulatory adjustments during pregnancy make individuals more susceptible to these blood pressure fluctuations.
Dehydration can also lead to these visual episodes by decreasing overall blood volume, which affects circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain and eyes. Staying adequately hydrated is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and preventing such occurrences. Additionally, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can trigger visual disturbances as the brain lacks sufficient glucose for proper function. This can happen if meals are skipped or carbohydrate intake is insufficient.
Fatigue and lack of sleep can place general stress on the body and contribute to visual changes. Hormonal shifts can also exacerbate feelings of tiredness, making it harder to get restful sleep. Overheating, particularly in warmer environments or after physical exertion, can cause the body to struggle with temperature regulation, leading to dizziness and sometimes visual disturbances due to changes in blood vessel dilation.
Serious Conditions Linked to Seeing Stars
While many instances of seeing stars are not a cause for alarm, this symptom can sometimes indicate more serious medical conditions during pregnancy that warrant immediate attention. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, commonly presents with visual disturbances. These can include flashing lights, spots, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light, resulting from the condition’s effects on the brain or direct impact on the eye’s blood vessels. The fluctuating blood pressure in preeclampsia can lead to changes in the retinal blood vessels or fluid accumulation behind the retina.
Eclampsia represents a severe progression of preeclampsia, involving seizures, and visual disturbances often precede or accompany these events. About 25% of women with severe preeclampsia and up to 50% of those with eclampsia experience visual symptoms, which tend to worsen as the condition advances. These visual changes can stem from issues such as cerebral vasospasm or swelling in the brain’s visual processing areas.
Migraine with aura is another condition that can cause visual symptoms, including flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots, either before or during a headache. Pregnancy can sometimes trigger migraines for the first time or alter existing migraine patterns. While usually unpleasant, these visual auras are generally temporary. Though rare, a retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can manifest with new flashes of light, an increase in floaters, or a sensation of a curtain moving across the field of vision, requiring prompt medical evaluation.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact your doctor immediately if “seeing stars” or other visual disturbances are persistent, severe, or accompanied by additional concerning symptoms. These red flags include a severe headache that does not improve, sudden or excessive swelling in your face, hands, or feet, or pain in the upper right abdomen.
Other symptoms that warrant an urgent call to your healthcare provider are double vision, blind spots, diminished vision, or temporary loss of vision. A sudden increase in the number of floaters or the appearance of a dark “curtain” over your vision should also prompt immediate medical evaluation. These symptoms can indicate serious pregnancy complications that require prompt assessment and management to protect both maternal and fetal health.
Tips for Managing Episodes
For instances of “seeing stars” due to common, less serious causes, several practical measures can help manage episodes and potentially reduce their occurrence. If you experience visual disturbances, sitting or lying down slowly can help stabilize blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Eat small, frequent snacks to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Ensure you get sufficient rest and manage overall fatigue.
Avoid abrupt movements, especially when transitioning from lying or sitting to standing.
Maintain consistent prenatal care for overall health and addressing any concerns.