Can you get Botox while pregnant?
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Created with Carolyn Kay, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, USA
There are no reported cases of pregnancy-related complications from Botox but there is not a lot of data on the safety of Botox in pregnant women to begin with. Given the uncertainty surrounding how Botox can affect the fetus, most medical doctors recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.
As an immensely popular procedure used worldwide for medical and cosmetic purposes, the Botox question is commonly asked by women considering getting pregnant and nursing and is often debated among reproductive endocrinologists and ob-gyns. In this article, we’ll discuss whether it is safe to get Botox while pregnant and explore what alternatives pregnant women can use.
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What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name of a product that contains a highly purified neurotoxin protein extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected in minimal amounts, it temporarily paralyzes muscles and causes them to relax. This helps remove creases, smoothes out texture irregularities, results in a refreshed complexion, and promotes overall skin health.
Further research shows that Botox injections are safe for most people and can be used medically and cosmetically; however, a positive pregnancy test may make you reconsider.
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Is it safe to get Botox while pregnant?
Can you get Botox while pregnant? The FDA has placed Botox in pregnancy category C, meaning there are not enough clinical studies to assess its risks and benefits, given women’s unwillingness to participate in a potentially harmful study. More investigation is required to make a solid recommendation and guarantee it is absolutely safe while pregnant or breastfeeding.
The FDA allows the use of Botox for certain medical conditions during pregnancy. However, it is ultimately up to your doctor to evaluate your specific situation.
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Potential risks of Botox during pregnancy
Doctors recommend avoiding Botox during pregnancy.
Theoretically, if this toxin is injected in an inappropriate dose, it may cause botulism, which leads to poor muscle development, spasms, and poor breathing. However, the risk of developing botulism from such injections is extremely low.
Other possible side effects caused by Botox may include:
- Infection;
- Allergic reactions;
- Hypersensitivity reactions;
- Headaches;
- Flu-like symptoms;
- Blurred vision;
- Difficulty forming words;
- Loss of bladder control.
These side effects are uncommon and occur at rates similar to those seen in the general population without treatment. Importantly, they do not affect the baby.
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Alternatives to Botox for pregnant women
While injections with Botox and other neuromodulators are off the table for a while, you can look to other safe solutions to keep the skin of your face in top shape. With pregnant and nursing women, dermatologists turn to non-invasive skin care alternatives, such as:
- Cleansing facials to minimize the appearance of fine lines and amp up your glow;
- Chemical peels (like glycolic and lactic acid) to help exfoliate the skin and improve its overall tone and texture;
- Dermaplaning—a pregnancy-safe treatment that uses a surgical blade to remove dead skin, leaving our derma noticeably smoother and softer;
- Topical products containing hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin E, and vitamin C that help plump and nourish your skin, brighten and moisturize it, protect it from free radicals, reduce mild pigmentation, and boost collagen production;
- Massages, face yoga, and facial acupuncture to improve blood flow, resulting in smoother skin.
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You should contact a professional dermatologist to advise you on risk-free treatment for your specific needs.
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The bottom line
Even though Botox is considered safe for medical and cosmetic purposes, continuing treatment during pregnancy is somewhat of a gray area. As a precautionary measure, it is better to postpone your next round of beauty injections and discuss safer cosmetic alternatives with a medical professional.
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References
- Cohen, Joel L., and Nicolò Scuderi. “Safety and Patient Satisfaction of Abobotulinumtoxin A for Aesthetic Use: A Systematic Review.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 37, no. suppl_1, Apr. 2017, pp. S32–44. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx010.
- Morgan, John C., et al. “Botulinum Toxin During Pregnancy: A Survey of Treating Physicians.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, vol. 77, no. 1, Jan. 2006, pp. 117–19. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.2005.063792.
- FDA Pregnancy Categories – CHEMM. chemm.hhs.gov/pregnancycategories.htm.
- Wu, Lin, and Min Tang. “Application of Botulinum Toxin in Pregnancy and Its Impact on Female Reproductive Health.” Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, vol. 19, no. 1, Dec. 2019, pp. 83–91. https://doi.org/10.1080/14740338.2020.1707803.
- Botox Medication Guide | FDA. www.fda.gov/media/77359.
- Brin, Mitchell F., et al. “Pregnancy Outcomes Following Exposure to onabotulinumtoxin A.” Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, vol. 25, no. 2, Dec. 2015, pp. 179–87. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5063122/pdf/PDS-25-179.pdf.
- Tang-Liu, Diane, et al. “Intramuscular Injection of 125I-botulinum Neurotoxin-complex Versus 125I-botulinum-free Neurotoxin: Time Course of Tissue Distribution.” Toxicon, vol. 42, no. 5, Oct. 2003, pp. 461–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0041-0101(03)00196-x.
- “A Review of the Safety of Cosmetic Procedures During Pregnancy and Lactation.” International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, vol. 3, no. 1, Mar. 2017, pp. 6–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.005.
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