Imagine waking up one morning during your pregnancy to find that half of your face feels different – maybe you can’t fully smile, close one eye, or your taste has changed. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Bell’s palsy affects pregnant women at nearly three times the rate of non-pregnant women, most commonly striking in the third trimester when you’re already navigating so many physical and emotional changes.
Bell’s palsy is a sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, usually affecting just one side of the face. It can be frightening, but it’s more common than many realize – especially during pregnancy. Studies show most cases occurring in the third trimester or immediately postpartum. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but swelling of the facial nerve, hormonal shifts, fluid retention, and stress are all thought to play a role.
But here’s what I want you to know: there is hope, there is support, and there are gentle, pregnancy-safe ways to encourage your body’s natural healing process. The good news is that there are a number of treatment options your OB may suggest. Conventional treatment for Bell’s palsy typically includes corticosteroids, sometimes paired with antiviral medication if a viral cause like herpes simplex is suspected. However, steroid use during pregnancy – especially early on – may be approached with caution. Some physicians suggest a more conservative or supportive care approach instead. Options like physical therapy, facial massage, and acupuncture are often explored as gentle, drug-free additions to care.
Case Study
At 35 weeks pregnant, patient D came to our clinic after being diagnosed with orbital Bell’s palsy. Her OB approved a course of corticosteroids, and she was looking for additional, safe support to help her recover. We provided four acupuncture treatments spaced closely together for best results. After the second treatment, she began to notice improvement in facial movement.
Her sessions focused on increasing circulation to the affected area using local acupuncture points, while also addressing the emotional stress of both the diagnosis and her upcoming first birth. By her fourth visit, the paralysis had resolved, her facial expressions had returned to normal, and she was feeling much more relaxed and hopeful. All acupuncture points used were safe for late pregnancy, and her care was coordinated to complement her medical treatment.
Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy
Research supports acupuncture as a helpful treatment for Bell’s palsy. A Cochrane systematic review (2011) found some evidence that acupuncture may improve facial muscle recovery, especially when started early, although more large-scale studies are still needed. A 2009 study in Neurological Research showed that patients who received acupuncture alongside standard care had faster and more complete recovery than those who received standard care alone.
Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and support the body’s own healing. Most importantly during pregnancy – acupuncture can work alongside your medical team’s treatment plan. Your body has an incredible capacity for healing, especially when given the right support. The key is addressing both the physical symptoms and the emotional impact this diagnosis can have during such a meaningful time in your life.
What often goes unspoken about Bell’s palsy during pregnancy is the emotional toll it can take. You’re already navigating the profound changes of pregnancy, and suddenly facing a condition that affects how you look and express yourself can feel overwhelming.
This is where acupuncture truly shines – not just in supporting physical recovery, but in helping you process the stress and anxiety that often accompany unexpected health challenges during pregnancy. The treatments create space for your nervous system to settle, helping you feel more grounded and hopeful about your recovery.
Many of my patients find that their acupuncture sessions become a sanctuary during this time – a place where they can focus on healing while also preparing mentally and emotionally for the journey of motherhood ahead.
Acupuncture during Pregnancy
At AcuNiagara, I provide acupuncture that’s tailored specifically to pregnancy. If you’re experiencing Bell’s palsy symptoms – like sudden facial drooping, trouble closing one eye, difficulty in smiling, changes in taste – your physician is the first place to seek care and confirmation of a diagnosis. Once you have your diagnosis and treatment plan, acupuncture can be safely integrated as supportive care.
Every pregnancy is unique, and every recovery timeline is different. What remains constant is your body’s remarkable ability to heal, especially when supported with gentle, evidence-based therapies. The acupuncture points used for Bell’s palsy during pregnancy are specifically chosen for their safety and effectiveness. Treatment focuses on increasing circulation to the affected facial area while simultaneously supporting your overall wellbeing during this time.
Acupuncture may be added as a safe, effective part of your recovery plan. It can also support the emotional side of things, especially if this is your first pregnancy, if you are having trouble sleeping or if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Book a consultation or reach out – I’m here to support you every step of the way.
CASE STUDY Disclaimer: details have been changed to protect patient privacy. Clinical treatment outcomes are not guaranteed. Results are based on individual cases, and many factors can affect an individual’s outcome.
References
https://www.jprasurg.com/article/S1748-6815(25)00328-6/pdf
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.1088138/full
