Can pregnancy trigger Bell’s palsy?

Expert Advice – 14 Aug 23 By Sanchia Pegley

How common is it and is it linked to pre-eclampsia?

While Bell’s palsy a rare occurance, pregnant women are three times more likely get it than non-pregnant women, with it mostly developing in the third trimester.

Possible triggers are a dormant viral infection – believed to be the main cause – lowered immunity due to stress, sleep deprivation, physical trauma, minor illness or autoimmune disease.

Famous people who have had Bell’s palsy include Katie Holmes, Angelina Jolie, George Clooney and Justin Bieber. Robert De Niro’s girlfriend Tiffany Chen was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy after giving birth to their daughter Gia Virginia.

What is Bell’s palsy

Bell’s palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face and is caused by damage to the facial nerve. It’s sometimes mistaken for a mini stroke. Bell’s palsy is usually temporary and patients start to make improvements after two weeks, although recovery can take three to six months. If you experience any of the below symptoms, it’s important to see a medical professional.

What are the symptoms of Bell’s palsy?

Symptoms of Bell’s palsy may be similar to those of a stroke and may include:

Drooping eyelid or difficulty closing one eye
Difficulty smiling or moving face
Dropping side of mouth
Difficulty eating and drinking
Drooling
Pain or sensitivity around affected area
Headache
Loss of taste
Changes in tears or saliva

Dark haired woman with long gold earrings smiling at the camera — Pregnant women are three times more like to develop Bell’s palsy than non-pregnant women. *(Image: Getty)*

Why does Bell’s palsy happen in pregnancy?

The cause of Bell’s palsy is unclear but increased body fluids during pregnancy may lead to swelling and put pressure on the facial nerves. A woman may have a compromised immune system when pregnant and that may lead to an activation or reactivation of the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores). Increased blood clotting factors may play a role, as may elevated hormones levels.

Is there a link between Bell’s palsy and pre-eclampsia

It’s unclear if there is a link between Bell’s palsy and pre-eclampsia, although hypertension may be. In 2016, Angelina Jolie told Vanity Fair that she had been diagnosed with hypertension as well as Bell’s palsy. Hypertension may also be linked to pre-eclampsia, which most commonly occurs in the third trimester. “Sometimes women in families put themselves last,” Angelina told the magazine, “until it manifests itself in their own health.”

Women with shoulder length black hair wearing a long pale blue shirt dress and cradling her baby bump — Hypertension may also be linked to pre-eclampsia, which most commonly occurs in the third trimester. *(Image: Getty)*

How do you treat Bell’s palsy in pregnancy?

Because it tends to occurs in the third trimester, a doctor may recommend anti-virals or steroids, which may be effective. However, it’s always important to talk to your doctor about your particular needs and wants. Physical therapy may be helpful as it doesn’t pose any risk to the baby and it can be continued postpartum. Post pregnancy, Botox may be a consideration as well as physiotherapy for muscle retraining.

Of pregnant women who exprience Bell’s palsy when pregnant, more than 50% recover fully. However if symptoms start in the first trimester, they may take longer to resolve.

Always consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.