Pregnancy is a special time of many physiological changes in the body. However, some women may experience Bell's palsy, a rare neurological condition. Bell's palsy is a condition that causes temporary paralysis of the facial muscles as a result of sudden inflammation and weakening of the facial nerve (facial nerve). At this point, it can cause difficulties for expectant mothers. At this point, you can review our content to learn about bell's palsy during pregnancy. Thus, you can have all the necessary information about bell's palsy during pregnancy.

What Causes Bell Palsy During Pregnancy?

The effect of pregnancy on Bell's palsy directly on patients has not been considered. However, as a result of research, it has been concluded that the incidence of Bell's palsy during and after pregnancy is among the causes of facial paralysis. Although it is generally seen in people under the age of 40 and over the age of 60, the incidence is higher among pregnant women at a younger age. Depending on the data and symptoms, the causes of Bell's palsy in pregnancy have been identified. These are;

• Sudden changes in the body with increased appetite due to gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance
• Edema accumulation and fluid retention in the body
• Increased estrogen and progesterone levels
• High blood pressure 
• Increased cortisol levels during pregnancy causing inflammation
• Being vulnerable to the risk of HSV virus in the last 3 months of pregnancy or in the first week after delivery
• Weakened immune system in the last 3 months.
• Blood clotting disorders that occur with pregnancy
• Lyme disease

According to the research and data so far, Bell's palsy in pregnancy can be caused by one or more of these. The patient's specific situation, health status and medical history can lead to a multiplicity of causes.

Diagnosing Bell’s Palsy During Pregnancy

In pregnant women, increasing symptoms in the first 48 hours can often be decisive for the diagnosis of facial paralysis in pregnancy. In this context, the doctor should use some diagnostic methods in addition to physical examination in order to distinguish it from other types of facial paralysis and syndromes. In this case, it may be necessary to examine the sagging of the face. These facial sags are unilateral and cause some symptoms. In addition, if the patient becomes more sensitive to sounds, if she felt bad before the stroke, if the symptoms increase within 1 day to 3 days, the presence of facial nerve palsy in pregnancy can be mentioned. Thus, the patient's symptoms can be read correctly and a diagnosis can be made.

Why is there an increased incidence of Bell’s palsy in pregnancy?

According to doctors and research, the incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy develops for a number of reasons. If we take a look at these reasons, the causes of the incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy are as follows;

• Blood clotting disorders increase with pregnancy
• Excessive increase in estrogen and progesterone levels
• Being vulnerable to the HSV virus during the last 3 months of pregnancy or after pregnancy due to weakened immunity
• Diabetes and high blood pressure
• Increase in total body water as the body's fluid retention increases

What are the physical effects of Bell’s palsy in pregnancy?

Bell's palsy can also cause some physical effects, especially during pregnancy. These effects can also be called symptoms. The physical effects of Bell's palsy during pregnancy are important in starting the rehabilitation process. Depending on the situation, an appropriate treatment method can be developed for these effects. Some symptoms on the side of the face affected by Bell's palsy or on the whole face;

• Short-term speech impairment
• Sudden loss of the sense of taste
• Excessive flow of tears
• Loss of sensation in the face
• Headache
• Tinnitus
• Failure to blink
• Inability to close the eye and eyelids
• Inability to smile
• Change in the way of speaking
• Becoming sensitive to sound
• Problems with eating and drinking 

In the presence of these, the presence of facial nerve palsy in pregnancy can be largely ruled out if other data support it after physical examination.

What Are the Psychological Effects of Bell’s Palsy in Pregnancy?

The psychological well-being of the mother during pregnancy is also very important for the health of the fetus. Therefore, the psychological effects of Bell's palsy in pregnancy will vary according to the expectant mother and the degree of symptoms. These are the psychological effects of facial paralysis in pregnancy;

• Feeling constantly unhappy
• Constant and sudden changes in mood 
• Emotional disturbance due to inability to speak clearly and express oneself
• Causes varying degrees of depression in some mothers
• Fear of passing the disease to the fetus
• Resistance and reluctance to physical therapy
• Belief that Bell's palsy will persist permanently after birth
• Risk of fetal health effects or premature birth due to distress

The psychological effects of facial nerve palsy in pregnancy will vary according to the psychology of the pregnant woman. For this reason, a psychologist or psychiatrist can be consulted to get expert support during pregnancy and to keep the psychology intact.

Best Bell’s Palsy in Pregnancy Treatment

The doctor's expertise and the patient's condition help determine the appropriate treatment methods. Bell's palsy treatment during pregnancy depends on the doctor and the patient. Especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, medication is not among the treatment options. However, it is considered important to treat Bell's palsy during pregnancy in the third trimester in order not to experience any negativity afterwards. The best Bell's palsy treatments vary according to doctors and these methods are as follows;

• Use of steroids and antiviral drugs
• Starting the physical therapy and rehabilitation process

The healthiest option is to start physical therapy and rehabilitation as soon as possible. Depending on the trimester of pregnancy, medication may also be considered. However, some doctors believe that the use of medication is successful if it is started within the first 72 hours. However, treatment options should be evaluated separately in patients with complete facial paralysis and patients with unilateral facial paralysis.

Recovering from Bell’s Palsy Post-Pregnancy

After birth, facial paralysis in pregnancy completely resolves in about 6 months. However, since this happens in no more than 52% of cases, it is important not to refuse medication and to continue with exercises for a full recovery. Having a good doctor will help you get rid of Bell's palsy in pregnancy in a short time. By sticking to the programs and continuing appropriate treatment methods, permanent solutions can be achieved.

What if Bell’s Palsy Does Not Resolve Post-Pregnancy?

More than half of women who have Bell's palsy during pregnancy recover. However, in some women, the process may be prolonged and facial paralysis may be permanent. Therefore, if facial paralysis in pregnancy does not go away after delivery, alternative treatment methods and rehabilitation process should be considered. After pregnancy, antiviral medication or steroid medication may be considered depending on breastfeeding status. The rehabilitation process should be carried out together with the medication. If Bell's palsy after pregnancy is permanent, other treatment methods are as follows;

• Botox 
• Selective Neurolysis
• Neuromuscular retraining (NMR)

FAQ

Can Bell’s palsy affect an unborn baby?

Although Bell's palsy affects the mother's face and muscles, it also affects the fetus. If timely measures are not taken and treatment is not started as soon as possible, it can also pose a risk to the unborn baby.

How long does Bell’s palsy last in pregnancy?

In some patients, recovery occurs within the first 3 months. Whether it is seen on the full face or experienced unilaterally will also determine the recovery time. If medication and rehabilitation support are applied as soon as possible, it will be under control in a short time depending on the situation. 

Can Bell's palsy be prevented during pregnancy?

Since it is not a condition that develops in every pregnancy, there are no studies to prevent it. Moreover, blood pressure, diabetes and other causes can occur together or separately in every expectant mother. However, Bell's palsy may not be seen even if the causes are present in the mother. Therefore, facial paralysis in pregnancy cannot be prevented, but treatment can be started in a short time with the correct diagnosis.