Can You Get Botox While Pregnant? Risks & Alternatives

Botox is quickly becoming the ‘It’ thing for many women who are trying to fight the signs of ageing. While some claim that Botox does not move beyond the injection site, others claim otherwise and suggest that it could be harmful to the baby if you decide to take Botox during pregnancy. Since pregnancy brings significant hormonal and physiological changes, it is essential to be cautious about any medical or cosmetic procedures. So, is taking Botox treatment safe during pregnancy? Before you scratch your head for the solution, let’s go ahead and read the article to learn whether or not you should be going for a Botox treatment when pregnant.

What Is Botox Treatment?

Botox is commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles in an attempt to bring a more youthful look to the face. It is made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and works by causing a blockage in specific nerves or weakening/paralysing certain muscles. The results of a Botox treatment may last for a few months (1). Though Botox is made from a toxin, it is purified and used in very small quantities, which is why it has been considered safe for treating wrinkles and fine lines.

Can You Take Botox During Pregnancy?

Since the Botox injection is made with a poisonous substance, a question that plagues many women is, does Botox affect pregnancy? Though there are few data on the effects of the Botulinum toxin A (btxA) on pregnant women and the unborn baby, FDA approved labelling for btxA considers this toxin a pregnancy risk category C. The reputed body also recommends that it should be “administered during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus” (2) (3).

In case you have taken Botox treatment before conceiving, it is perfectly alright and will not cause harm to your fetus when conceived. However, if you are already pregnant and are thinking about getting this treatment done, the smarter thing to do would be to wait until you have given birth to your child and finished breastfeeding. Even though your baby is still very small and has a long way to go while developing, taking Botox in early pregnancy is also not considered safe. Taking one injection will not cause any severe harm, but if you are to continue with this treatment, you will be taking more than one injection, which may eventually affect your health. If you are not in your best condition, you are putting yourself and your unborn child at risk.

Side Effects of Getting Botox When Pregnant

Though the side effects of Botox are not very common, they are still serious enough that you ought to pay attention to them and avoid any risks. One such risk if that the toxin could spread beyond the injection site and cause botulism. Here are some risks/symptoms of botulism (4):

• Dizziness
• Breathing difficulties
• Difficulties swallowing
• Respiratory infections
• Pain
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness
• Double vision
• Swelling
• Sensitivity to light
• Loss of strength

What Happens If You Stop Using Botox During Pregnancy?

If you stop using Botox in pregnancy, your muscles will gradually regain their normal function as the effects of the injections wear off. Typically, Botox lasts about 3 to 4 months, so as it fades, any fine lines and wrinkles that were previously smoothed out may start to reappear (5). However, stopping Botox does not cause your wrinkles to become worse than before; it simply allows the natural ageing process to continue.

The good news? If you decide to resume Botox treatments after pregnancy, you can expect to see the same smoothing effects as before.

Safe Alternatives to Stay Wrinkle Free in Pregnancy

Botox and pregnancy are two things that should never be combined. Pregnant women should keep in mind that the body goes through many hormonal changes during this time, which often results in what is commonly known as a ‘pregnancy glow’ where your skin looks bright and youthful all on its own. This leaves you no reason to go for Botox treatments during gestation. If you feel like you need more, you should opt for more natural remedies and anything that involves chemicals, light therapy, or lasers should be avoided during pregnancy. Here are some options for you to consider:

• Follow the CTM skincare method. This is a simple method where you Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise your skin every day to ensure that you are removing all the dirt and grime that gets stuck in the pores, causing your face to look aged and dull.

• Get the right serum. Serum is a great skincare product that includes concentrated versions of the ingredients that help heal your skin. After consulting your doctor, you can get yourself a good quality serum that targets your problems, like fine lines or dark spots. Remember, some serums and cosmetics are not to be used during pregnancy, so make a wise choice after a doctor’s consultation.

• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Not only is this important for your pregnancy itself, but it is also important for keeping your skin clear and youthful.

• Have a dedicated night skincare routine. It is good to look after your skin in the mornings but remember to do the CTM method at night as well since your skin rejuvenates better at night than during the day.

• Stop squinting. If you squint a lot when out in the sun, make it a habit to wear shades or a hat so that you don’t have the need to squint. Squinting often causes fine lines and wrinkles to develop faster.

• Turn your frown upside down. Do not frown as much, and try to smile as much as possible. Frowning often causes wrinkles to form in the centre of the forehead, between the brows and around the mouth.

FAQs

1. Can I get Botox while breastfeeding?

There is no concrete evidence that Botox passes into breast milk, but due to the lack of research, many doctors recommend waiting until breastfeeding is complete. Some women choose to resume Botox while nursing after discussing the risks with their doctor, while others prefer to wait for extra precautions (5).

2. What happens if I accidentally had Botox before knowing I was pregnant?

If you got Botox before knowing you were pregnant, don’t worry! Botox usually stays where it’s injected and doesn’t spread through your bloodstream, so it’s unlikely to harm your baby. While there isn’t much research on this, doctors believe the risk is very low. Still, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know so they can offer guidance and keep an eye on your pregnancy if needed (6).

3. Can I resume Botox immediately after giving birth?

If you are not breastfeeding, you can resume Botox once your doctor gives the green light. However, if you are nursing, medical opinions vary. Some doctors recommend waiting due to the lack of research on Botox and lactation, while others believe it poses minimal risk. It’s best to consult your doctor before resuming treatments.

Botox and pregnancy don’t mix well, as doctors generally advise against using Botox while expecting due to the lack of research on its safety for the baby. You can always continue after. The safety and health of your little one are the most important.

References/Resources:

1. Cleveland Clinic – Botox (Botulinum Toxin)

2. PubMed Central – Botulinum toxin A during pregnancy: a survey of treating physicians

3. International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society – Safe Administration of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections During Pregnancy: A Report of Two Cases

4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Medication Guide: BOTOX

5. Cleveland Clinic – Botox and Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

6. PubMed Central – Botulinum toxin type A in pregnancy

Also Read:

Salicylic Acid in Pregnancy
Safe Skincare Products in Pregnancy
Pregnancy Beauty Tips for Glowing Skin
Is it Safe to Wear Makeup During Pregnancy?