Botox jabs during pregnancy may lead to birth defects

Sydney, Jan 28 (ANI): Getting botox jabs during pregnancy may cause birth defects in unborn children, according to Australian doctors.

The warning by Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) follows reports last month of a case in 2005 in which a link was made between a child born deaf and blind and its mother's use of an anti-wrinkle treatment during pregnancy, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Botulinum toxin should not be prescribed to pregnant women and we advise our members to strictly follow these guidelines," said the CPSA's Dr Gabrielle Caswell.

"Botulinum toxin has a long history of efficacy and a robust safety profile, however there are some circumstances, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, glaucoma and neuromuscular disease where it is not an appropriate medication," the expert added.

The 2005 case involved a botulinum type A toxin drug called Dysport.

The mother was reportedly injected with the muscle-relaxant cosmetic treatment in the first month of pregnancy.

The birth defect was among 46 different adverse reactions to botulinum type A toxin reported to Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration since 1994.(ANI)