The use of Botox is one of the most popular ways of treating certain eye, muscular and skin conditions. Its main use is cosmetic, due to its proven efficacy and few recongized side effects. It is mostly a prescription drug that comes in commercial brands. Some of them are Myobloc, Vistabel, Bocouture and Dysport.
Is Botox Safe during Pregnancy?
Infections, redness, swelling, irritation and increased sensitivity are not out of the norm after Botox injections. However, there are not any side effects exclusive to pregnant women, at least for now. Furthermore, it is not clear whether the drug can cross the placenta and cause damage to the fetus or not.
However, a number of studies on pregnant laboratory animals suggest serious reasons for concern. Animal subjects experience premature delivery, give birth to underweight babies. Furthermore, in rare cases, their young ones develop congenital complications or not survive. This, of course, does not automatically apply to human beings, but the higher chance of a secondary effect is grave enough to avoid this procedure during pregnancy.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom maintains that expectant mothers should not try Botox, unless it’s for medical purposes. This is not just because of the direct implications on the baby, but also because the mother can develop less grave issues. This includes breathing problems, swallowing difficulties and muscle weakness.
That said, doctors still think the risk of a single injection of Botox during gestation should not really be a cause for concern. This refers especially to the first trimester, when the pregnancy may still be unknown to the mother. Such an amount, apparently, is not enough to spread throughout the body. Much less to still be concentrated enough to cross over to the fetus. As long as the mother stays away from any Botox administrations throughout the remainder of the pregnancy, the baby should remain safe.
Conclusion
The side effects of diminutive quantities of Botox in the body of a pregnant woman are not unequivocal. Though, it is advisable to completely avoid Botox during this period, just to be safe. It is also wise to shun the injections a few months, if planning conception, and during breastfeeding. Medications have been shown to pass to the baby through breast milk, albeit in negligible quantities.
Sep 05th 2016