Idiopathic facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy) in late pregnancy and the early puerperium

Abstract

We describe seven patients with idiopathic facial (VII) nerve palsy commencing primarily in late pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. One patient had recurrent Bell's palsy in three consecutive pregnancies. Three women developed bilateral palsy. The occurrence of such otherwise rare manifestations of Bell's palsy supports the suggestion that physiologic changes occurring in late pregnancy or the immediate puerperium predispose to Bell's palsy.