Along with puffy hands and ankles, puffy eyelids and eyebags are really common during pregnancy, especially during the last two months. Pregnancy-related changes in your blood chemistry cause extra fluid retention, also known as edema (or in the old days, dropsy).
Some things can make the swelling worse, and treating those issues can make it better. If your eye swelling is bad, try:
Up your potassium. Potassium is a mineral that helps your body regulate blood pressure, which helps regulate fluid. It’s recommended that you get 4.7 grams a day during pregnancy and 5.1 while you’re breastfeeding. Try eating more potassium-rich foods like bananas, leafy greens and beans.
Cut your salt. Extra sodium contributes to fluid retention.
Up your fluids. Being dehydrated will also make your body retain water.
Staying upright. Eye puffiness will tend to be at its worst when you first wake up in the morning. Sleeping with your head elevated above your heart can help fluid circulate instead of pooling in your face.
Treat sinus congestion. Swelling in your nasal passages from allergies or a cold can contribute to swelling in your face. If your nose is stuffy treat it with a warm washcloth on your face or steamy shower, a saline sinus rinse or a safe-for-pregnancy decongestant and/or antihistamine.
Let your health care provider know about any sudden or extreme swelling. This can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a rare-but-serious pregnancy-related blood pressure condition.
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