What expectant mothers need to know about eye and dental health

Expecting a new baby can be an exciting time in your life, but one thing you may not be expecting is just how much your body may change – and that includes your vision and dental health. In some cases, these changes may indicate underlying health issues or contribute to complications for both mother and baby down the road.

“It’s vital for individuals who are expecting to receive appropriate prenatal care and stay connected with care providers, including dental and vision care providers. Staying on top of routine dental and vision exams during pregnancy and talking with your doctor about any changes or concerns can help identify potential issues early,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial business.

If you are expecting a child or plan to start a family in the near future, here are three things to consider to stay on top of your vision and dental health:

While many eye health changes during pregnancy or after delivery are temporary, some may become permanent, so it’s good to be aware.

• Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, you may experience dry eyes or puffy eyelids.²
• Pregnancy may also make your eyes more sensitive to light, which may cause headaches.²
• You may experience blurred vision or find that your contact lenses or glasses aren’t as effective as they used to be. Retaining water during pregnancy may cause temporary fluid buildup within the front surface of the eye, which is one of the common causes for vision changes during pregnancy.
• Systemic diseases that may occur with pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and/or eclampsia may also have associated vision changes that should be monitored carefully.

Oral health issues may be more common during pregnancy, including gum disease and cavities. In fact, 60% to 75% of pregnant women³ have gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. This may be aggravated during pregnancy, due to changing hormones. An increased risk of cavities may also occur due to changes in eating habits.

Staying on top of your regular vision and dental health screenings should be part of your prenatal (or postnatal) care routine. These exams may help detect potential issues, some of which may indicate underlying disease or identify potential complications that require additional testing and care.

At your check-up, tell your doctor or dentist:

• If you are expecting or planning to get pregnant
• If you’re taking medications
• If your pregnancy is considered high-risk
• If you’ve noticed changes
• If your prenatal provider has talked to you about your eye or dental health

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or glaucoma,² it is especially important to talk to your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Blurred vision and light sensitivity during pregnancy may sometimes be caused by elevated blood sugar levels or high blood pressure, which may indicate the potential of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.² If you are being treated for glaucoma, certain medications may also be harmful to the baby.²

In addition, some studies show a link between gum disease and preterm birth.⁴ If gum disease or gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to something called periodontal disease — which causes serious infection in the gums and issues with bones that support teeth. Gum disease has also been linked to an increased risk of developing preeclampsia,⁵ which can lead to serious complications for you and your baby.

If you are expecting a child, check with your health plan to determine your coverage and what resources might be available to you when it comes to managing your dental and vision health.

For instance, UnitedHealthcare Vision plans offer expanded vision benefits for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding that provides additional coverage for a second eye exam and a new pair of eyeglasses, if the prescription has changed.⁶ UnitedHealthcare Dental plans may cover extra visits for cleanings and gum treatments during — or after — pregnancy, as recommended by your dentist. Additionally, some plans may cover a postpartum cleaning for mothers. Check with your health plan to confirm your coverage before scheduling services.