Botox and Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered

You were over the moon to see the two pink lines. You’re expecting.

And while you can’t wait to welcome your sweet little bundle of joy, you have questions about your pregnancy skincare routine.

Can I continue to get Botox? Is it safe to get Botox while pregnant?

You’ve come to the right place.

This guide will outline what Botox is, exactly how it works, and answer your questions about Botox and pregnancy.

What is Botox?

Botulinum Toxin, aka Botox, is made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.  

But don’t worry. 

Botox is safe.

Earning approval from the FDA in 1989, it was first used cosmetically on April 15, 2002.

Botox injections are used to help diminish:

And not surprisingly, the miracle of Botox was a rapid success and it has now been approved for use in 98 countries worldwide.

Since Botox has been around for nearly 20 years, we’ve also had a good opportunity to see its long-term effects, as well as its benefits. 

How Does Botox Work?

But, you might be wondering how exactly all of this works. How does Botox cause wrinkles to virtually vanish?

It’s pretty straightforward.  

When Botox is injected under your skin, it causes very specific nerve signals to become paralyzed, preventing those muscles from contracting.

Your muscles relax …

And, voila.

Your wrinkles are reduced. 

Pretty cool, right?

What Research Has Been Completed on Botox During Pregnancy?

So back to those two pink lines …

What about using Botox while pregnant?

You aren’t new to Botox — pregnancy, on the other hand, may have you asking new questions.

Has any research been done in regards to Botox and pregnancy?  

Is it safe?

Yes, and no.

There aren’t any studies on the use of Botox during pregnancy in humans.

However, several studies have been performed on pregnant mice.  

The conclusion?

When pregnant mice were injected with Botox, a high percentage of mouse embryos developed with abnormalities including:

• Hemorrhaging in the placenta
• Low birth weight
• Premature birth
• Exencephaly (where the brain grows outside the skull)
• Malformed or missing limbs

Of course, you’re going to be the mother of a baby human, not a wee mouse.

And while we can’t be certain the same thing would happen to human babies, these results show that using Botox during pregnancy in humans may very well involve some risks.

Why is There Insignificant Research on Getting Botox While Pregnant?

Studies involving Botox and pregnancy don’t exist for obvious reasons. 

Botox during pregnancy poses potential risks to both the mother and her unborn child. 

Conducting a study of the safety of Botox during a human pregnancy would be a huge ethical violation.

Botox and Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered

Let’s take a close-up look at the most commonly asked questions regarding Botox and pregnancy.

Can I Get Botox While Pregnant?

Like so many other women, starting Botox injections was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made for your skin.  

Your face has never looked better.  

But, can you get Botox when pregnant?

Due to the lack of research available, obstetricians have advised against the use of Botox and other injectables during pregnancy. 

But, great news. 

Not only will you soon be sporting a cute baby bump, but during pregnancy your body naturally retains water.

Water retention wouldn’t be something to applaud under normal conditions, but in this case, water retention makes your face naturally appear fuller.  

Your skin also steps up its oil production when you’re expecting.

So, those wrinkles and crow’s feet can even out and miraculously disappear.

Rather than getting Botox while pregnant, pregnancy is the perfect time to bask in the beauty of your skin’s natural glow.

Non-Cosmetic Botox and Pregnancy

By now we are all familiar with the cosmetic uses of Botox

But did you know that it has an impressive list of non-cosmetic uses as well? 

These include:

As with cosmetic Botox, for the safety of your unborn little one, it’s best to hold off on these treatments until after the stork has made its delivery.

Is Botox Safe During Pregnancy?

We’ve looked at what Botox is and how it’s used.

But what about using Botox while pregnant?

Can you safely get Botox during pregnancy?  

While we know that Botox is considered to be safe, side effects can still sometimes occur.

These may include:

Since these side effects could potentially be detrimental to your baby’s development in utero, it’s better to be safe than sorry and skip the Botox during your pregnancy.

How Does Botox Affect Pregnancy?

The truth is, no one really knows much about the combination of Botox and pregnancy.  

And since the effects of getting Botox while pregnant are unknown, it’s best to err on the side of caution and wait until after giving birth to resume or begin Botox treatments.

Can I Use Botox While Nursing?

So we know it’s best to hold off on using Botox during pregnancy.

But what about resuming Botox injections if you’re nursing your little one?

Is it safe to get Botox injections while nursing?

While it is unlikely that Botox can be passed through human breast milk, there remains an element of risk.  For that reason, getting Botox while breastfeeding is not recommended.

What if I Had Botox During Early Pregnancy?

Let’s talk about the Botox treatment you had two weeks ago. 

Should you be concerned about having gotten Botox while pregnant?

Don’t panic.

It’s important to keep in mind that:

• The amount of Botox in your injection was minimal.
• The neurotoxin was injected directly into your facial muscles and the chances of it traveling to other parts of your body are slim.

As with any pregnancy-related questions, it’s always best to reach out to your doctor for more information about Botox during early pregnancy.

Can I Get Botox While Trying to Conceive?

We’ve covered all the bases when it comes to Botox during pregnancy, Botox during early pregnancy, and Botox while nursing.

But what about women who aren’t yet pregnant and are ready to start a family?

What about Botox and conception?

Can I get Botox while trying to get pregnant? 

The answer to this question is — no.

While the reactions we talked about earlier aren’t common, they still have the potential to cause problems during conception and pregnancy.

Doctors recommend holding off on using Botox while trying to conceive.

It’s just not worth the risk.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Bridgetown Aesthetics to Discuss Your Botox Concerns

Do you still have additional questions about Botox and pregnancy? 

Please give us a call.

We’ll be happy to set you up with a free consultation to discuss your questions or concerns.

Wherever you are in your Botox journey, we’re here for you.