Botox During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding come with a long list of dos and don’ts, and if Botox has been part of your beauty routine, you’re probably wondering—can you still get it safely? Whether you use Botox for wrinkles, migraines, or excessive sweating, it’s natural to have questions. So, let’s get real about what’s known (and not known) about Botox during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can You Get Botox While Pregnant?

The short answer? It’s best to skip it.

Doctors and researchers simply don’t have enough studies to say whether Botox is 100% safe during pregnancy. Botox is made from botulinum toxin type A, which blocks nerve signals to specific muscles. While the amount used for cosmetic treatments is tiny, the big question is whether it could cross the placenta and affect your baby. The problem? No one really knows for sure.

Since pregnancy is already a wild ride for your body—hello, morning sickness, crazy hormones, and swollen feet—most healthcare providers suggest holding off on Botox until after birth. Playing it safe is the name of the game when it comes to pregnancy.

Why Is Botox Considered a Risk?

Botox hasn’t been tested extensively on pregnant women because, well, no one wants to put expectant moms in a risky situation just to see what happens. But here’s what we do know: in animal studies, high doses of botulinum toxin have been linked to developmental problems.

Now, before you panic, remember that cosmetic Botox is used in tiny amounts—far smaller than what was tested in animals. Still, because there’s even a slight question mark, most doctors follow the “better safe than sorry” rule and tell their pregnant patients to wait it out.

Also, pregnancy can make your body react in totally unpredictable ways. Your immune system changes, your blood flow increases, and your skin might be more sensitive than usual. That means even if Botox has always worked perfectly for you before, you could experience unexpected side effects like extra bruising or swelling.

Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?

So, the baby’s here, and you’re running on little sleep but dreaming about Botox. The big question: can you get it while breastfeeding?

Honestly, the answer is still unclear. Botox works by staying in the area where it’s injected, which means it probably doesn’t make its way into your bloodstream or breast milk. But because there haven’t been enough studies to confirm this, most healthcare providers still recommend waiting until you’ve finished breastfeeding just to be on the safe side.

That said, some women do choose to get Botox while nursing after talking to their doctors and weighing the risks. If you’re on the fence, have a conversation with your provider and see what makes the most sense for you.

What Can You Do Instead of Botox?

If skipping Botox for nine months (or longer) feels like a lot, don’t worry—there are other ways to keep your skin looking fresh while you wait.

• Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: Stick to gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration and vitamin C for brightening.
• Facial Massages & Gua Sha: These can help with circulation and give your face a more lifted, sculpted look.
• Microneedling (With Caution): Some mild microneedling treatments might be okay, but check with your doctor first.
• Pregnancy-Safe Chemical Peels: Glycolic acid and lactic acid peels can keep your skin smooth without harsh chemicals.
• Hydration & Sunscreen: Keeping your skin moisturized and protected from UV damage goes a long way in maintaining a youthful glow.

When Can You Start Botox Again?

So, when’s the right time to bring Botox back into your life? Here’s what you need to know:

• If you were pregnant, you can typically restart Botox once your baby is born and your doctor gives you the green light.
• If you’re breastfeeding, many doctors recommend waiting until you’ve completely weaned your baby before getting Botox again.
• When you do start up again, ease into it. Pregnancy and childbirth can change a lot about your body, including how you respond to treatments. Your injector might tweak your dosage to make sure your results still look great.

Final Thoughts

We get it—giving up Botox for pregnancy and breastfeeding might not be fun, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a temporary pause. Since there isn’t enough research to prove it’s 100% safe, most doctors recommend holding off until after you’re done nursing. In the meantime, you can still take care of your skin with other safe treatments and embrace that natural pregnancy glow (even if it’s mostly just from all the extra hormones!).

And hey—when you’re ready to book that Botox appointment again, it’ll be waiting for you.

To get further details, go to How Often Do You Have to Get Botox? | MDA