Can pregnant women use povidone-iodine?

Generally, pregnant women can use povidone-iodine, but it should be used under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Povidone-iodine is a topical disinfectant that primarily works on the skin surface. Normally, when used in small amounts, only a minimal quantity is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, which generally does not cause significant toxic or side effects to the pregnant woman's body, nor does it adversely affect the fetus via the placenta. Compared to other disinfectants that may be irritating or toxic, povidone-iodine has relatively higher safety and can be a routine choice for wound disinfection in pregnant women.

During pregnancy, women may experience skin abrasions, cuts, or similar injuries for various reasons. Povidone-iodine effectively kills pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the wound surface, preventing infection and promoting wound healing. Whether for minor skin injuries or relatively clean surgical incisions, povidone-iodine provides effective disinfection, helping pregnant women maintain wound cleanliness, reducing the risk of infection, and safeguarding maternal health.

Before using povidone-iodine, pregnant women should ensure the skin around the wound is clean. First, rinse the wound with a gentle solution such as normal saline to remove dirt and foreign objects, then apply povidone-iodine for disinfection.