I recently read in one of my pregnancy books that you can't wear contact lenses during labor and delivery, does anyone know if this is true? If so, why? I have horrible vision without my lenses in, and I don't like to wear my glasses, I don't feel like I "see" as well in them...Thanks!
dodd319
Favorite Answer
I had a C-Section and was not allowed to wear my contacts. It was because if there was a problem during the surgery, I would have to be put to sleep. For vaginal birth, I'm not sure. But if there are complications during birth, you may have to have emergency C-Section.
You just never know what's going to happen. I also hate wearing my glasses and I see much better with my contacts. But I would rather be able to see my son with glasses on, rather than not see if there's a problem.
But ask your Doctor, they all say different things.
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Contacts Delivery
ashpeev
My father in law is an eye doctor and he worried about me wearing my contacts during delivery because of the fact that they inhibit oxygen to your eyes. When you are going through the stress of labor, it could damage your eyes depending on your sensitivity. When I went into labor, that was the last thing that I thought about so did wear them throughout. However, afterward, I had issues with my contacts, due to dry eyes and focusing problems, so I took them out and wore my glasses most of the next couple of days. Doctors used to tell you not to wear them, but due to the current technology and thinner, more breathable lenses, I never heard anything from any of the doctors concerning my contacts. Wear your contacts if you really want to but have your glasses packed as back up! Good luck!
Anonymous
I wore my contacts all through labor with my first and even through the c-section I ended up having. I asked the doctor when I went in for the scheduled c-section I had with my 2nd child and he said it is perfectly fine to wear them as long as you aren't being knocked out. Your eye doctor may have said that because a lot of times during labor you will dehydrate a little which causes your contacts to dry out and they could scratch your eye slightly. I would wear mine, but that is just me.
Veritas
I've never heard of any problems associated with wearing contact lens during labor and delivery. I wore them for my 2 hospital, doctor-assisted births, and for my last birth which was in a birthing center with a midwife.
In fact, I even wore them during my c-section.
Contacts will not "pop out" while you are pushing the baby out! That is a myth. However, if they are bothering you during labor, you can make sure to bring your case and solution along (and a pair of glasses?) so you can take them out.
Ask your doctor and I bet he/she will say it's ok.
All the best to you and baby!