---
title: Can You Get Botox When Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
description: Thinking about getting Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding? Here’s what the research says and why you should discuss it with your OB/GYN before going ahead.
image: https://entlubbock.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/can-you-get-botox-while-pregnant.png
---

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# Can You Get Botox When Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

[David Cuthbertson, MD](https://entlubbock.com/blog/author/david-cuthbertson-md)  Apr 18, 2023, 3:00:00 AM 

![](https://entlubbock.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/can-you-get-botox-while-pregnant.png)

Research indicates 92% of people who opt for cosmetic procedures like Botox are women. Consequently, questions like, “**Can you get Botox while pregnant?**” or “**Is it safe to get Botox while breastfeeding?**” come up frequently.

Before we explore the answer further, here’s a quick response:

**The effects of Botox on an unborn or breastfed baby are not currently well-researched, so no one can definitively say whether it’s safe or unsafe.** If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s always best to check with your OB or pediatrician before getting Botox.

That said, we’ll get into more detail below to help you decide what’s right for you and your baby. 

## What Is Botox and How Does It Work?

[Botox](https://www.entlubbock.com/blog/benefits-of-botox/) is a drug made from botulinum toxin A. As a cosmetic treatment, it helps address wrinkles and fine lines on your skin. As a medical treatment, Botox can be used for conditions like [temporomandibular joint syndrome](https://www.entlubbock.com/blog/botox-for-tmj) (TMJ), which causes jaw inflammation and pain.

Although it affects the appearance of your skin, Botox doesn’t make changes to the skin itself. Instead, it temporarily weakens the muscles *underneath*, so they can no longer crease or wrinkle the skin they attach to so much. Once a doctor injects Botox into a particular area, the drug stays there and doesn’t spread to other parts of your body.

After you get Botox injections, your body slowly metabolizes the drug and clears it from your system. That process takes about three to four months, after which the effects wear off and your muscles can move freely again. At that time, if you want to [refresh your results](https://www.entlubbock.com/blog/how-often-should-you-get-botox/), your doctor might recommend another treatment.

Once you establish a routine of getting Botox regularly, the treated muscles will weaken over time, so you won’t need infections as often.

![Infographic: Can You Get Botox When Pregnant or Breastfeeding?](https://entlubbock.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/can-you-get-botox-while-pregnant-infographic.png?width=940&height=788&name=can-you-get-botox-while-pregnant-infographic.png)

## Can You Get Botox While Pregnant?

The FDA has classified Botox as a Category C drug. This means animal studies have shown possible adverse effects on the fetus, but researchers haven’t completed any studies with pregnant women. 

The main concern with getting Botox while breastfeeding or pregnant is the possibility of the drug entering the mother’s bloodstream and affecting the baby’s health or development. Unfortunately, there [isn’t enough research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24164677/) to conclusively say that Botox is either safe or unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

Due to the possible risks, scientists likely won’t inject pregnant or lactating women with Botox, so this may never be a well-researched area.

However, if you’re still wondering if you can get Botox while pregnant, we highly recommend speaking with your doctor. They can provide personalized recommendations and weigh the risks against your current condition, medical history, and your baby’s health.

## Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?

Similarly, scientists aren’t 100% sure whether it’s safe to get Botox while breastfeeding because there isn’t enough human research out there.

That said, more than likely, getting Botox while breastfeeding won’t harm your baby. According to a publication in the National Library of Medicine (NLM), botulinum toxin A is [unlikely to transfer to your breast milk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501400/) after you receive injections.

The basis is a study which documents a lactating woman suffering from botulinum poisoning. Though she breastfed her child throughout her ordeal, researchers found no detectable toxin in her breast milk or in her baby’s blood or stool. Since the typical cosmetic dosage of botulinum toxin A is much lower than the levels that cause botulism poisoning, the NLM publication suggests it’s unlikely a lower dose of the drug would cause adverse effects in breastfeeding infants.

Regardless, we still highly recommend speaking with your pediatrician before getting Botox while breastfeeding.

## In Lubbock? Reach Out!

If you’re in the Lubbock area and interested in Botox for cosmetic or TMJ treatments, [schedule a consultation with us](https://www.entlubbock.com/contact/). We’ll be happy to revisit this topic and answer any additional questions you have about getting Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding.

[Botox](https://entlubbock.com/blog/tag/botox)

## Read On

### [![](https://entlubbock.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/headache-after-botox-1.png) An ENT’s Guide to Understanding Headache Issues After Botox If you’re thinking about receiving Botox, you probably have questions: How does it work? Will it fix my problem? What are the side effects?](https://entlubbock.com/blog/headache-after-botox)

### [![](https://entlubbock.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/can-you-workout-after-botox-1.png) Exercising After Botox: How to Stay Active Without Compromising Your Results One of the best things about Botox is that there’s virtually no recovery time. Generally, you can get a quick treatment and continue with your day as …](https://entlubbock.com/blog/can-you-workout-after-botox)

### [![](https://entlubbock.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/botox-for-tmj.png) Botox for TMJ: The Doctor’s Guide to Using Botox to Relieve Jaw Pain and Tension TMJ affects millions of Americans, causing discomfort, pain, and soreness. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, including …](https://entlubbock.com/blog/botox-for-tmj)

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