New Mom Burst Some Blood Vessels for Pushing Hard During Childbirth

New mom Childbirth burst blood vessels bloodshot eyes tennessee labor and delivery pushing hard tiny capillaries birthing classes proper technique abdominal muscles and diaphragm Pregnant Moms high blood pressure blood thinners

By Lili Scott , Parent Herald Feb 11, 09:45 pm

Photo: (Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A new mom burst some blood vessels because she had pushed too hard during childbirth. Yelena Von Breymann, 28, of Tennessee, shared to her followers that she burst some blood vessels after giving birth naturally to her son on December 31, 2021.

In a clip on TikTok, the new mom said she was left in shock upon seeing her face in the mirror after having her son. She looked so red in the face and eyes because of the intense pushing that likely lasted for an hour.

@yelenaa.x Reply to @aaaa.215 ♬ original sound - Yelena

Von Breymann also shared a photo and said that the redness and bloodshot eyes were present for at least two weeks, making her too scared to look in the mirror during this time.

Prevalence of Burst Blood Vessels and Bloodshot Eyes

Von Breymann's case is not at all uncommon in childbirth. According to What to Expect, pushing during the second stages of labor and towards the baby's delivery may cause the tiny capillaries in the blood vessels to burst.

This biological occurrence can happen to anyone whenever they force a hard cough or vomit. While it can affect any mom, pregnant women who have high blood pressure or are taking blood thinners could be more prone to broken blood vessels during childbirth.

Von Breymann said that she did not expect this "side effect" to giving birth the natural way. She had some red spots down to her neck and chest following eight hours of labor.

Some of the mom commenters on her TikTok post replied that they also had the same experience. One mom said that the nurses told her "not to push with her face," as this is how it will end up, per Daily Mail.

There is no treatment for a burst blood vessel as the body will reabsorb the blood and heal naturally. There's also no need to use eye drops for bloodshot eyes since those medications are for eye irritation and dryness. However, a cold compress may offer some relief.

However, if the condition doesn't resolve itself after two weeks, it will be prudent to check with the doctor for the best advice on what else to do.

How to Avoid Bursting Blood Vessels During Labor

Some experts recommend attending birthing classes to avoid this incident. Birthing classes will enable moms to learn how to push the right way, without straining their face, during the delivery.

Ideally, a mother needs to give it her all when bringing a child into the world through her abdominal muscles and diaphragm. There's a proper technique to ensure that the eyes and face remain the same color throughout the delivery. It will help to have the mom's husband watch her and tell her if she's starting to get red in the face during the delivery.

Studies also show that pregnant moms who are more physically fit during the third trimester of their pregnancy will be able to push the baby out more efficiently. Thus, regular exercise throughout the pregnancy, with the clearance from the doctor, is an important factor in a healthy birth and delivery.