Can You Get Botox While Pregnant?

Remember when Botox injections were whispered about, but never admitted openly?

Well, it’s safe to say that those days are gone.

Botox has gone from being something we gossiped about to one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the U.S.

Whether these anti-wrinkle fillers are a standard part of your life, or your first BFP has got you looking for ways to feel a little younger, you might be wondering, can you get Botox while pregnant?

Let’s take a look.

In this article: 📝

What is Botox?

Botox is the brand name for an injectable drug made from a bacterial toxin called botulinum (hence the name: botulinum-toxin). [1]

It works by temporarily freezing an area of muscle.

When it’s injected in small amounts, this has the effect of softening fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Welcome back, youth!

The catch? The effect only lasts for a few months before the treatment needs to be re-applied.

But as long as it’s done by a qualified practitioner and used in small enough amounts, Botox is considered a safe way to appear younger without measures like surgery.

But, the question remains: is Botox safe during pregnancy?

The truth is that we don’t really know. 🤷‍♀️

This means that the standard guidance is to use caution and avoid Botox injections during pregnancy.

But where does this advice come from?

Is Botox safe during pregnancy?

Sort of, yes, but we can’t be entirely sure.

Pregnant women get classified as ‘vulnerable’ in the world of medical research, and so labs are reluctant to include them when they test the effects and side effects of different drugs and treatments. [2]

While we are, of course, totally on board with playing it safe, the downside to this is that there is a big black hole in our medical knowledge when it comes to the effect of a lot of different medications and treatments during pregnancy.

This applies to Botox and pregnancy, too, whether you’re considering getting Botox in your first trimester or closer to your due date.

Does Botox cause birth differences?

Right now, we don’t know.

We can’t say that Botox definitely causes birth differences in human babies, but that’s because we don’t have enough evidence to answer the question either way.

There’s no proof that it does, but equally no proof that it doesn’t.

Most doctors would agree that the risk, even if it is unknown, just isn’t worth it, especially if it’s not for an urgent medical reason.

Is it safe to get Botox during pregnancy for medical reasons?

Usually, yes, it’s considered safe to use Botox while pregnant to treat certain medical conditions, but it depends on what you want it to treat.

Most of us think of Botox as a cosmetic treatment, but it’s used for a whole variety of medical reasons, too, from neck spasms, migraines, and headaches to overactive bladders and even excessive sweating. [3]

Now, if you get Botox for a medical condition, you might be starting to panic that your pregnancy could mean the end of treatments you’re relying on.

But, in these cases, you don’t need to worry.

The official advice from the FDA is that Botox can still be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit to you as the patient outweighs the potential risk to your babe. [4]

Navya breaks it down: “This is also because the dose and the mode of action matter. Botox, in lower doses and when administered properly, should stay in the muscle that it’s injected in, and not enter the bloodstream, thus causing no problems to your growing baby.”

So while studies seem to suggest there’s less risk at lower doses, most doctors will allow you to maintain small doses of Botox treatment for your medical condition during pregnancy, especially if the treatment means you have a more relaxed and pain-free pregnancy.

Some moms-to-be have even started Botox treatments specifically for extreme pregnancy symptoms, like first-trimester headaches. [5]

So definitely talk to your doctor about Botox if it’s something you need — just don’t expect a “yes” if it’s for crow’s feet or those smile lines from dreaming about your growing babe.

➡️ Find out What to Do About Early Pregnancy Headaches

Are there any alternatives to using Botox during pregnancy?

Yes, there are some other options if you’re using Botox to help treat certain medical conditions.

Embryologist Navya Muralidhar explains: “There are some possible drugs that can be used to treat migraines or muscle spasms as an alternative to Botox. However, they may carry the risk of entering the bloodstream.
If using Botox means that such drugs are avoided (as Botox doesn’t enter the bloodstream), then doctors may prefer Botox as the safest option.”

Botox during pregnancy stories

Sometimes, it just helps to know you’re not alone, whether you choose to have Botox while pregnant or not.

So we asked our Peanut mamas and moms-to-be to share their experiences with Botox and pregnancy.

(Side note, the experiences of our Peanut Community aren’t medical advice — always check with your doctor first.)

• “I wanted to get Botox when I found out I was pregnant, but resisted the urge. But I don’t actually think it would do any harm as people get Botox for all sorts of reasons. But I’ve done this far without it I’ll wait another two months and get then!” — Stephanie
  
• “I did have Botox, but I hadn’t realized I was pregnant. Realistically, it was like 4 days after conception. I can’t wait until after birth so I can go again!” — Laura
  
• “I had Botox but I didn’t know I was pregnant, and my son is fine. But I wouldn’t have done if I knew I was pregnant.” — Natalie
  
• “My injector said she would not give me Botox while pregnant as it’s a liability for their business if anything were to happen but she said she will do it immediately after birth as long as I have a full day supply of milk for the baby cause she just recommends pumping and dumping for 24 hours after. I have been getting oxygen/vitamin C facials once a month to keep up on my skin care for now, ’cause girl, I feel ya and I miss my Botox.” — Michelle
  
• “I got Botox in the 2nd trimester and they had absolutely no effect (they usually do) and I was absolutely devastated.” — Jessy
  
• “I continued to get Botox for my migraines throughout my pregnancy. If I let my migraines go unchecked, I’d be down for the count and throwing up an additional 9-15 days a month, which obviously isn’t healthy for baby. Botox is considered an advanced treatment option, and most providers have a criteria of 10+ migraines per month (some say 15) so other options will absolutely be explored first and some providers would be hesitant to prescribe it for the first time during pregnancy.” — Mars
  
• “I get Botox done every 6 months — I had my appointment booked for the day after I found out I was pregnant, so I we had to cancel. I am counting down the seconds to give birth and get it done again!” — Alexia
  
• “My OB said Botox would be fine. I didn’t pursue it because my headaches improved during pregnancy so I didn’t really need it.” — Katie

So, can you get Botox while pregnant?

Well, there’s no single answer here — it depends on why you want to get Botox and whether your doctor has given you the all-clear, so it’s always worth speaking to a medical professional (not just your beautician).

But if you want to hear from other moms-to-be who have used Botox during pregnancy, or found an alternative, join us on Peanut — we’re having the conversation.