Can pregnant women use povidone-iodine?

Generally, pregnant women can use povidone-iodine. If necessary, it is recommended to consult a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Povidone-iodine is an external disinfectant, whose main component is an amorphous complex of iodine and a surfactant. Under normal usage conditions, povidone-iodine is relatively stable and is not significantly absorbed through the skin into the body of a pregnant woman, thus generally posing no obvious harm to the health of either the mother or the fetus. Compared with some other disinfectants that may have strong irritation or toxicity, povidone-iodine is safer and considered a relatively mild and suitable disinfectant option for pregnant women.

During pregnancy, a woman's immune system may become somewhat compromised, making the skin and other areas more susceptible to microbial invasion. Povidone-iodine has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and can effectively kill common pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When a pregnant woman experiences skin injuries or inflammation, using povidone-iodine can help disinfect the affected area promptly, prevent infection, promote wound healing, and thus help maintain maternal health.

When using povidone-iodine, pregnant women should follow medical advice or the product instructions. Use a cotton swab to apply an appropriate amount of povidone-iodine gently onto the area requiring disinfection, avoiding excessive application or allowing the povidone-iodine to come into contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes or mouth.