Q&A: Can I use Botox® while pregnant?

First, just to let other readers know what Botox® is… Botox® is a brand name for botulinum toxin, a muscle paralytic derived from bacteria. Sound appealing? Yet because Botox® effectively relaxes muscles, it has many uses. Some people use it cosmetically to look younger. Others use it for medical conditions that benefit from muscle relaxation, like migraine headaches, neck muscle spasms, or eye twitching. So here's the problem: Botox® has not been tested for safety in pregnancy. It isn't supposed to get into the recipient's bloodstream but some people who use it have side effects that might indicate some systemic absorption. Whether it can cross the placenta is unknown.

While using a bacterial neurotoxin doesn't sound like a great idea in pregnancy, situations may arise where the medical benefits override potential risks. This probably doesn't include cosmetic uses, but may include severe medical problems or symptoms that are alleviated with this treatment. Talk to your OB-GYN and the medical doctor prescribing your Botox® to see if the benefits in your case outweigh theoretical risks.