Pregnancy has a huge effect on the body. Fluctuating hormones can cause breakouts and change the appearance of your skin. It may even cause hyperpigmentation or changes in the coloration of your skin. Mothers-to-be are often interested in using Botox or fillers to address these concerns during pregnancy. But is it safe to use Botox during pregnancy?
## What Are Botox Injections?
Botox is an injectable that’s made from a toxin called botulinum toxin. In small amounts, this toxin can smooth wrinkles to give you younger-looking skin. It can also treat certain medical conditions, such as neck spasms, crossed eyes, and even chronic migraines.

The botulinum toxin blocks signals from the brain to the muscles. These signals tell the muscles to move, but if they never reach the muscles, then the muscles stay relaxed. Botox injections can temporarily paralyze the target muscles, so they stay relaxed. Botox reduces dynamic muscles and smooths lines and creases in the skin. Botox injections usually last between three to six months, making Botox a temporary treatment.
## Is Botox Toxic?
The botulinum toxin can be toxic to the body in very high doses. However, a normal Botox injection only contains a small dose of the toxin, so it is completely safe. Botox settles into the targeted muscles at the injection site and doesn’t travel throughout the body. After a few months, the Botox is metabolized and leaves your system.
## Is Botox Safe During Pregnancy?
Doctors still don’t know if Botox can affect your little one. It’s unlikely that Botox can pass from mother to baby, but no studies on expecting mothers have been done. 

If you’re getting Botox for cosmetic reasons, your doctor may recommend waiting until after your baby is born. However, if you’re getting Botox injections to treat migraines or another medical condition, your doctor may recommend you continue treatments while you’re pregnant.
## What the Research Shows
If you regularly get Botox but you just found out you’re pregnant, you might be reconsidering your next Botox appointment. While researchers don’t know if Botox is safe for pregnant mothers, a couple of animal studies shed some light on the issue.

In these animal studies, the botulinum toxin did not cross the placenta during pregnancy. This means the toxin didn’t affect the baby at all. This is likely true for pregnant mothers as well. But at the end of the day, researchers don’t have any data about what happens in humans. 
## What About Breastfeeding?
Just like these is a lack of information about Botox and pregnancy, there’s also not a lot of research about breastfeeding and Botox. However, researchers agree that it's unlikely that the botulinum toxin will pass into breast milk. 

There’s strong support that Botox during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe, but it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before booking your next Botox appointment. 
## When Can You Get Botox Injections?
If you’ve decided to pause your Botox injections during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you can resume your Botox treatments after weaning your baby. For more information about Botox and pregnancy, book a consultation with one of our doctors and find out if Botox is right for you. 

 




large_iStock-835757528.jpg

medium_iStock-835757528.jpg