How Serious Are the Effects of Botox One Week After Conceiving?

Question

I had a botox treatment without knowing I was one week pregnant. I am extremely nervous as I just found out this morning that I am pregnant. I can't find any real-life stories on this, but everything I have read is pretty terrible. Thoughts?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would not worry too much if you had Botox and found out you were pregnant.  Botox works locally where it was injected and the dosing is very small.  The makers of Botox would never consider sponsoring a study to see the safety of Botox during pregnancy or breast feeding as it would be too risky for them.  Likewise, for physicians.  I generally provide reassurance for situations like yours and I do recommend that you stop any future injectable treatments until either the baby is born and after breast feeding.  I would also let you OB know that you had a Botox treatment during pregnancy so they are aware.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

although doctors do not knowingly inject Botox in women who are pregnant, there must be a sizable population of women who did have Botox treatment in the first trimester of pregnancy without being aware they were pregnant, just because of the huge number of women who have treatments done each year, and the probability exists that some didn't know they were pregnant at the time. I am not aware of reports of problems with babies born to such mothers but neither the company that makes Botox, nor physicians would advocate such treatment. Notify your OB-GYN so you can be followed for this and avoid more Botox until after you have stopped breast feeding.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

This is a relatively common situation.  While no one should be injecting BOTOX for women who are known to be pregnant, the drug itself does not appear to pose much risk under this circumstance.  Unfortunately we just have so little information that it is impossible to be definitive about this.  There is a small study of woman who used BOTOX early in pregnancy with no problems.  My best advise is to personal discuss the situation with your personal gynecologist and this will help you be more comfortable no matter what you choose to do.

Matheson A. Harris, MD · Answer

As you know, Botox is not recommended when someone is pregnant or nursing.  There are no studies showing that it causes harm to a fetus, but logic dictates it be avoided. Your scenario has occurred many times in other women and no adverse affects have been reported.  Let your OB know and they'll monitor the situation.

Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox is not recommended for pregnant patients because there are not enough human studies to assess the risks.  This means it has not been evaluated to be safe or harmful to the fetus. It is common for people to have treatment before knowing they are pregnant.  I would discuss with your OB but I would not worry.  I hope this helps.

	Kindest regards

	Neil J. Zemmel

How Serious Are the Effects of Botox One Week After Conceiving?

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How Serious Are the Effects of Botox One Week After Conceiving?

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox and pregnancy

Answer: Botox and pregnancy

Answer: Botox while pregnant

Answer: Botox while pregnant

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.