Eye disorders and a natural childbirth?

Hi there,

I am a 30YO woman and I'm expecting my first child.I've always had to wear glasses,as I have a squint,I am long-sighted,over + 5 in both eyes and have some Astigmatism too.I would like to know if having a natural child-birth could affect my eyes and make matters even worse or is a C section the safest option for me?

Many thanks!

Martha

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I am NOT a fan of mid-wives or home delivery of bablies. When I was doing pediatric ophthalmology I saw too many "bad babies" from home, "natural" delivery with a midwife in attendance.

Moreover with your eyes the way they are your child has at least a 20% chance of having a convergent strabismus.

Best you find yourself a good Obstetrician and delivery in a safe hospital delivery room. If the eyes appear crossed see a pediatric ophthalmologist right away. If they seem straight to you and your pediatrician see a Ped Ophthal about age 2. A second form of crossed eyes (accommodative esotropia) develops between age 2 and 4.

JCH MD

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I am NOT a fan of mid-wives or home delivery of bablies. When I was doing pediatric ophthalmology I saw too many "bad babies" from home, "natural" delivery with a midwife in attendance.

Moreover with your eyes the way they are your child has at least a 20% chance of having a convergent strabismus.

Best you find yourself a good Obstetrician and delivery in a safe hospital delivery room. If the eyes appear crossed see a pediatric ophthalmologist right away. If they seem straight to you and your pediatrician see a Ped Ophthal about age 2. A second form of crossed eyes (accommodative esotropia) develops between age 2 and 4.

JCH MD