Light sensitivity during pregnancy

Pregnancy can change sleep, hydration, hormones, and migraine patterns. Bright light may therefore feel harder to tolerate, especially when it comes with a familiar migraine pattern. Dry eyes, conjunctivitis, or contact-lens irritation can cause a more eye-focused discomfort with watering, redness, or discharge. Conjunctivitis is one condition that can present with light sensitivity, but the symptom does not establish its cause.

A new headache or visual disturbance in pregnancy deserves careful attention because some pregnancy-related problems can also affect vision or cause headache. Mention the symptom to your maternity clinician even if it settles.

Rest in a softly lit room, drink fluids regularly, eat at usual intervals, and reduce glare from screens. Avoid starting, stopping, or borrowing medicines, including painkillers or eye drops; check any treatment with your maternity clinician or pharmacist. Keep a record of headache timing, vision changes, swelling, blood-pressure readings if provided, and associated nausea.

Contact your maternity team promptly for a new or severe headache, flashing lights, blurred or double vision, facial or hand swelling, upper abdominal pain, or feeling suddenly unwell. Emergency help is needed for confusion, collapse, fever with neck stiffness, or a severe headache with vomiting; meningitis can include light sensitivity and requires urgent evaluation.

Ask whether your blood pressure, eyes, and medicines should be reviewed; which pain relief is appropriate at your stage of pregnancy; and what changes should trigger an immediate call.