Can you wear contact lenses during labor?

NicoleMilan

I'm reading conflicting reports as to whether or not it's safe to wear contacts during labor & delivery. Has anyone "survived" labor and delivery while wearing them? Did they bug you? What was the reason for not being able to wear them? Just curious beacuse I hate wearing my glasses (I don't like things on my face) and can't see without my contacts or glasses. I'd rather not have the birth of my first child be a blurred image. Thanks!

pbj266

i wore mine the ENTIRE time, and it was just like wearing them at home. Nothing about them bothered me at all...

tokenhoser

I think some hospitals say no because of the minuscule chance of general anesthesia. Ask your doctor if they're allowed - and think about how comfortable your contacts are after many, many hours (24? 36?) on the off chance you have a very long labour.

Melissa2216

Thanks for posting this.  I've been wondering this also.  I'm going to try to keep my contacts in during labor and delivery.

shanatait2be

I have been wondering the same thing about contacts and c-sections...I have a repeat CS scheduled and really hope I can wear my contacts and not my glasses. Does anyone know if they are allowed during CS?

nypdrwj

I had a vaginal birth and was able to wear my contacts the entire time.  Also, a friend of mine was able to with a csection.  You should ask your doctor about contacts during a csection because most hospitals have different policies.

Bakeration

nypdrwj:

I had a vaginal birth and was able to wear my contacts the entire time.  Also, a friend of mine was able to with a csection.  You should ask your doctor about contacts during a csection because most hospitals have different policies.

 

This.  I wore mine with a successful induction but brought my glasses along in case they started bothering me.  Our hospital tour said no contacts for C-sections but I would just ask your doctor as it could be up to them.  

JustineDD

During the birth of my son I tried to leave them in, but my labour was very long, and I ended up taking them out because I was sleeping in between contractions... hoping this labour is quicker and am going to attempt to leave them in.

madhatter2003

I did with both kids. They just had it indicated on my form in case you need an emergency c/s w/general.  But I labored with them and had no issues at all. They did get a little dry with DD since I slept in them for a bit so bring your drops along.

Emcat1980@yahoo.com

I did - labor was 12 hrs (basically 6 am to 6 pm). No problems.

shannonalise

You can do whatever you want. What are they going to do? Kick you out? Just tell them you're wearing your contact lenses - end of discussion. Hospitals have "policies" for everything - research them and decide for yourself if it's a policy you are willing to comply with (given the reasoning) and if not, advocate for yourself and tell them no. They cannot make you do anything. You are paying for this service, after all.

 

IU_baby

I did and they did not bug me. 

saritams8

They made me take them out with #1, but I think I'm going to try to keep them in this time. I hate wearing my glasses, too and during labor it was even worse!  They made me feel all claustrophobic and hot!

Besides, they're disposable. If I end up having to take them out, I'll just be sure to have my glasses with me.

brooketini

I wore my contacts the whole time I was in labor  with DD- I hate wearing my glasses and they would've driven me crazy. 

azzyberry

I wore mine the entire time I was in labor with DS and during the unscheduled c-section I ended up having.  I didn't have any problems with them at all.

ncbelle

I wore mine and had no issues.  I'd have gone nuts in my glasses and it's not like I can't get my contacts out in 30 seconds if I needed to for some reason.

melgrady

I am wearing mine during labor because I hate my glasses. I will take them out if I have to, but I don't see any reason why I can't wear them during labor.

circe811

My OB said to do whatever I was most comfortable with. I will leave them in unless labor/delivery is a very long process, in which case, I'll bring my glasses to change into!