Botox and Pregnancy

In animal studies on Botox and pregnancy, the drug caused low fetal birth weight, delayed bone development, and miscarriages. However, when pregnant women have been exposed to the botulinum toxin through food poisoning or accidental ingestion, no ill effects were seen in the fetus. If you are taking Botox and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will consider the benefits and risks in your particular situation.

 

Botox and Pregnancy: An Overview

Botox® (botulinum toxin type A) is a prescription medication approved for various cosmetic and medical purposes. The drug may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are unknown.
 

Botox and Pregnancy Category C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
 
When given to pregnant mice and rats, Botox increased the risk of low fetal weight and delayed bone development. When given to pregnant rabbits, the drug caused miscarriages and birth defects. However, it seems that rabbits are rather sensitive to the effects of Botox.
 
Even though Botox has not been studied in any pregnant women, there have been cases when pregnant women have accidentally been exposed to botulinum toxin through food poisoning or other accidental exposures. These cases suggest that botulinum toxin does not cross the placenta to the baby, and there may be circumstances when the risks of using Botox in pregnancy are outweighed by the possible benefits. However, cosmetic use of the drug during pregnancy is generally not recommended.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;