Application of botulinum toxin in pregnancy and its impact on female reproductive health.

: Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is a protein secreted by the anaerobic Gram-negative bacterium . Among the seven known subtypes, type A is the most commonly used in women to treat diseases. It primarily blocks presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in temporary muscle paralysis; thus, it is suitable for treating dystonia and other systemic diseases. BoNT is used widely for treating diseases that persist throughout, and may worsen during, pregnancy, such as cervical dystonia and achalasia. Thus, it is important to investigate whether BoNT injection during pregnancy causes side effects in pregnant women, fetuses, or newborns.: This review highlights the efficiency and safety of BoNT injection in pregnancy. and assessed current literature with respect to the use of BoNT for disease treatment during pregnancy.: BoNT injection does not increase the risk of complications in pregnant women and fetuses. However, the use of BoNT to treat disease during pregnancy requires fully informed consent from patients. In addition, further research is needed to determine how to reduce the side effects of BoNT injection during pregnancy (e.g., by improving drug composition, or adjusting the amount of BoNT or the injection interval).