After intense pushing during the second stage of labor, you could experience bloodshot eyes postpartum.

Pushing and straining raise your blood pressure, which can cause broken capillaries and red eyes.

But don’t worry bloodshot eyes are generally harmless and resolve within two weeks.

woman with bloodshot eyes

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Subconjunctival Hemorrhage.https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/eye-disorders/conjunctival-and-scleral-disorders/subconjunctival-hemorrhageOpens a new window[Accessed February 2022]

National Institutes of Health.

Eye redness.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003031.htmOpens a new window[Accessed February 2022]

American Academy of Ophthalmology.

2021.https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-subconjunctival-hemorrhageOpens a new window[Accessed February 2022]

American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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Home Remedies for Bloodshot Eyes.https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-remedies-bloodshot-eyes-when-to-see-doctorOpens a new window[Accessed February 2022]

American Academy of Ophthalmology.

She lives in Colorado with her husband and young son and daughter.

Dr. Amanda Williams

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A woman dressing a toddler

A baby with pinkeye

orange balloon representing postpartum gas and bloating

phone with BabyCenter app

Maggie Getz