I Received Botox the Morning Prior to Conception. What Are the Risks?

There are no known risks to the fetus when a mother receives cosmetic botulinum toxin prior to conception. This has become a very common issue and this questio comes up frequently on this forum. There is a tiny study of woman who were pregnant and received Botox. There is never going to be definitive studies on this question because the medical ethics to do justify undertaking such a study. While the risk of harm seems very low, possible zero, cosmetic Botox should not knowingly be administer to pregnant women. Using it for medical reasons is a different matter that must be carefully weighed. I suggest speaking with your obstetrician and consulting a neonatologist if questions remain.

Dear BetsyBetsy,

Although we don't know the exact risks with botox and pregnancy, I think that you will be fine. I would never recommend botox during pregnancy, or while breast feeding. However, having botox just before you conceived is unlikely to affect the fetus at such a very early stage. If you think about the mechanism of Botox, it works on the receptor complex between the nerves and the muscles. While your fetus is only in the early cell stages, there shouldn't be any interactions. I would recommend that you tell your OB that you had botox the day before you conceived, but I am hopeful that it won't affect the development or health of your baby. Good luck and congratulations on your pregnancy.