Bell’s Palsy

[Anonymous]

I have postpartum Bell’s Palsy and a week and half into steroids and an antiviral and I still can’t move the left side of my face at all — can’t smile to my baby, drink or chew or talk or read normally, or blink my left eye. Has anyone else on this forum had Bell’s palsy during or after pregnancy and can you share your story. Did you recover and what was your recovery like? Did you see a specialist and what kind? Thanks in advance to anyone who has a story to tell.

[Anonymous]

I had it in college. Unrelated to childbirth, and it went away gradually over the course of two months. I had blood work/scans done, along with some appointments with a neurologist - to rule out anything more serious - but time was the only fix.

[Anonymous]

aw OP sending you BIG hugs.

I had Bells, contracted it around my 32nd week of pregnancy. I delivered DS when I was 35w5days-- this was four years ago. Total loss of the right side of my face, ringing in my right year, was prescribed antivirals and steroids, like you.

i saw an acupuncturist and took the meds.

i want you to be positive ok? your baby can sense that you are smiling, knows when you are happy.

however long your healing takes is how long it takes. i was so sleep deprived when i was post partum, I think that delayed the whole thing. I am four years out and about 80-90% healed. occasionally my ear rings. I can tell in my face that the right side just isnt quite right, but my DH and my friends tell me that no one can tell anymore.

just give yourself time and rest. check out the facial center at JHU if you really get concerned-- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bells-palsy-when-facial-paralysis-doesnt-get-better

but for me, rest and time helped. if anything, i totally get what you are going through. be gentle to yourself!

[Anonymous]

I got Bell’s palsy for the first time in college and again when pregnant. Highly recommend trying acupuncture. (I was previously one of the least likely people to seek out non-western medicine ever but grudgingly tried it based on a recommendation and almost instantly saw positive results.) in both instances it went away within 2-3 weeks.

It was really scary the first time, but know that the vast majority of cases will resolve on their own with no major long term effects. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Anonymous]

My sister has had several bad attacks. The first time happened so suddenly the doctors thought she had a stroke and she was rushed to the ER from work.

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry OP. This didn’t happen to me but it did happen to my friend whose baby is 5 days older than mine. I know it was very scary but she recovered quickly and was (and still is) totally fine. I’m sorry I don’t know more of the details. Best wishes