Is face tingling common during the third trimester of pregnancy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Face tingling during pregnancy is uncommon, but it can occur. One possible cause is Bell's palsy, a temporary facial nerve condition that pregnant women—especially in the third trimester—are more likely to develop. Other potential causes include nerve compression, vitamin deficiencies (such as B12), swelling that presses on nerves, or circulation changes related to pregnancy.

Because facial tingling can occasionally signal a more serious condition, it's important to identify the underlying cause quickly. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what may be behind your symptoms and guide you on the best next steps—whether that's reassurance, lifestyle adjustments, or seeking prompt medical care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of face tingling now See if symptoms need urgent care Find out if pregnancy-related causes fit Find OTC relief for face tingling Find doctors for pregnancy symptoms Learn medically valid home remedies Understand if facial tingling needs attention

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Explanation

During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, some women might experience facial nerve issues, like Bell's palsy, which can lead to symptoms such as face tingling. This condition involves sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face.

Key Points:

Facial Nerve Palsy: This is a condition that can happen during pregnancy, with some studies suggesting a higher occurrence in this period.
Causes: The exact cause isn't always clear, but it might be related to changes in the body during pregnancy.
Symptoms: Besides tingling, symptoms can include drooping of the face and difficulty closing an eye on the affected side.

If someone experiences these symptoms, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider to understand the cause and get appropriate care. You can start by using a free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine if immediate medical attention is needed.

(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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