Bell’s Palsy in Pregnancy and After Birth: Why It Happens and Is Treatment Safe?

Pregnancy is a time of big changes, and developing facial palsy during it can be very frightening. This guide explains why the risk of Bell’s palsy rises during pregnancy and after birth, what should be checked, and how treatment and rehabilitation can be safe for you and your baby.

Why is Bell’s palsy more likely in pregnancy?

Studies suggest pregnant women are more likely to develop Bell’s palsy, especially in:

• The third trimester.
• The first weeks after giving birth.

Possible reasons:

1. Fluid retention and swelling, which may increase pressure on the nerve inside its narrow canal.
2. Immune changes, which may make it easier for dormant viruses to reactivate — see what causes Bell’s palsy.
3. High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, which some studies have linked with facial palsy.
4. Gestational diabetes, a known risk factor.

The pre-eclampsia link: why blood pressure checks matter

Because some studies found an association between facial palsy in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure with protein in the urine), any pregnant woman who develops facial palsy should:

• Have her blood pressure checked and tell her obstetrician straight away.
• Watch for warning signs such as severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling of the face and hands, or pain under the ribs.

Are the symptoms different?

No — they’re the same: a drooping mouth, trouble closing the eye, pain behind the ear and altered taste. See Bell’s palsy symptoms for details.

Call emergency services if facial weakness comes with arm or leg weakness, speech difficulty or a sudden severe headache. Stroke risk is also higher in pregnancy and after birth — see Bell’s palsy vs stroke.

Is treatment safe in pregnancy?

• Corticosteroids: guidelines note they can be used during pregnancy after weighing benefits and risks, in coordination between your doctor and obstetrician — especially in the first trimester or with gestational diabetes.
• Antivirals: your doctor decides whether they’re needed.
• Don’t take any medicine or herbal remedy without advice.

Starting within 72 hours of symptom onset still matters, just as for anyone else. See our treatment guide.

Eye protection: safe and essential

Artificial tears, lubricating ointments and night-time eye taping are generally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and are essential to prevent corneal dryness. See our eye care guide.

Exercises during pregnancy and after birth

Facial exercises are gentle and safe and don’t strain the body. Tips to fit them into a busy day:

• Short sessions of 5–10 minutes, two or three times a day.
• Use your baby’s nap time, or make exercises part of your morning routine.
• Precise, symmetrical movements in front of a mirror, without over-effort — see our facial palsy exercises guide.

After birth: tiredness and broken sleep

Sleep deprivation after birth can make consistency hard. Remember:

• Improvement takes time and starts within weeks for most women — see Bell’s palsy recovery time.
• Ask family for help so you can set aside a few minutes a day for exercises and eye care.
• Emotional support matters — read living with facial palsy.

How Raq helps

Raq fits a busy mother’s day: a structured 3-month plan with short sessions, video and voice guidance, real-time AI guidance through your camera that tells you when a movement isn’t quite right, and reports to follow your progress day by day. Use it with your doctor’s approval.