Is it normal to have face tingling during the third trimester of pregnancy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Face tingling in the third trimester of pregnancy is often linked to facial nerve conditions such as Bell's palsy, which occurs more frequently during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts, fluid retention, and immune system changes. Common symptoms include one-sided facial numbness, tingling, or weakness. Because facial tingling can also signal more serious conditions like preeclampsia or stroke, any tingling or weakness in the face during pregnancy should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Not sure if your symptoms need urgent attention? Pregnancy brings many changes, and it can be hard to tell what's normal and what's not. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your symptoms and clear guidance on your next steps—so you can protect both your health and your baby's with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn why face tingling needs care today Discover what causes face tingling in pregnancy See if face tingling could be serious Find OTC relief for face tingling Find doctors for pregnancy tingling symptoms Discover safe home remedies for face tingling Understand if your face tingling needs urgent care

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Explanation

During pregnancy, some women might experience tingling in the face. This can be due to a condition called Bell's palsy, which affects the facial nerve.

Bell's Palsy: This condition can cause sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face and involves both the upper and lower half of one side of the face. It's more common during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages.
Facial Nerve Issues: The references discuss how facial nerve problems can arise during pregnancy, potentially leading to tingling or other unusual sensations in the face.

While these sensations can be concerning, they are not uncommon but still require immediate medical attention in order to distinguish from more serious causes. If you're experiencing facial tingling or other unusual symptoms, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be causing them. However, it is important for pregnant women experiencing these symptoms to consult with their healthcare provider to ensure proper evaluation and care.

(References)

Bose S, & Anjankar A. (2022). Incidence of Facial Nerve Palsy in Pregnancy - PMC. Cureus, 9745100.
Pourrat O, Neau JP, & Pierre F. (2013). Bell's palsy in pregnancy: underlying HELLP syndrome or .... Obstetric Medicine, 5032927.
Aditya V. (2014). LMN Facial Palsy in Pregnancy: An Opportunity to Predict .... Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3977111.

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