A. Bell's Palsy is seen more frequently in the pregnant person or just after having given birth than the average non-pregnant woman. Some studies have suggested an incidence rate of 1 in 2500 pregnancies!
Usually, 3/4 of the time, the diagnosis is made late in the pregnancy (third trimester) or within the first 2 weeks after having given birth.
The quick answer to your question is this: Bell's Palsy does NOT affect the pregnancy, its outcome, or the unborn fetus. In no way is the nervous system of the unborn fetus affected and there is no indication for considering abortion based on this diagnosis alone.
There has been much speculation about the reason we see Bell's Palsy more often in pregnant women than non-pregnant women. The most favoured theory relates to the increased fluid retention the woman experiences during pregnancy. Swelling of the facial nerve within its bony cavity can lead to direct injury of the nerve, or possibly reduction of its blood supply.
Treatment for the pregnant woman with Bell's Palsy is the same as any person with this condition. You must protect the eye from drying or trauma, you may try facial massage, and you can reasssure the woman that 80% of all cases resolve on their own within a few weeks to months with no lingering symptoms. Controversy continues over the effectiveness of steroid treatments.
For more information on Bell's Palsy, click here.
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