Sudocrem in pregnancy - Is it ok?

[Firsttimehere]

Just wondered really if it’s safe, i’ve used it almost everyday on my face (for spots) applying 2-3 times during the day and before bed since I became pregnant. I just assumed it was okay because I know it’s baby bum cream! Just wondered as I can’t see anything online whether it is safe or not? I bloody hope so with the amount i’ve used it!

Any advice much appreciated!

Thanks

@Greeneyesbiglashes I’m with you here I think some of the comments don’t come across very nicely maybe that wasn’t the intention. I don’t think it’s silly to wonder as you’re right, things don’t tend to say ‘not safe in pregnancy’ on them. I wonder about products aswell so it’s not just you! I think if people have only commented on here to make you feel silly for asking that’s not very nice, these forums literally exist to ask questions surely! You’ll be a great mummy xx

Well on the pharmacist websites that’s what ‘no known contraindications’ means.

With the retinoids products it’s the synthetic vitamin A in these that could cause birth defects etc if used in large amounts, it’s not proven that any use through the skin can cause any issues, it’s more to do with oral use, but like with a lot of things, it’s easier for the NHS guidance to be a straight ‘no do not use/do’ because it makes it much easier for people instead of having to deal with facts/studies/statistics. I don’t use retinol and haven’t in my pregnancy at all but if I had been before I realised, because I didn’t know otherwise, I’d have to think, on balance, it’s unlikely to have caused any damage.

I have to be quite relaxed and measured about these things because, after having a miscarriage where it was 100% not down to anything I did or didn’t do, or anything I drank/ate/used, I’m not going to spend this pregnancy freaking about the minor stuff or I’d go mad with worry and second guessing.

Aw thank you @Peaplant20 for your comment! Absolutely understand it may have not been the intention, very difficult to read over the internet without tone etc.

Yeah it is a bit of a whirlwind when first pregnant too, i’m not sure with a lot of things so think no harm in asking .

Thanks for making me not feel like a fool haha! As I am not the only one. I have no idea what ‘Benzyl cinnamate’ is for example haha!

Yes I agree! Happy with blunt responses but the comment did make me feel a bit small when I only wanted some advice, it’s easy to be kind

Thank you so much again, your comment is so kind and put a big smile on my sore face!! Take care xx

Does it? @SmidgenofaPigeon again i’m not aware of that so I really don’t seem the harm in asking. It seems i’m not the only one who feels this way either?

Well that’s great for you and i’m pleased to hear your way of thinking works for you. I definitely wouldn’t chance it if it says it ‘could’ harm. Don’t know anyone that would. It’s not proven because it cannot be tested on pregnant women, however oral Vit A has a high chance of causing birth defects so I understand the link by the NHS there.

And with regards to your way of thinking and staying relaxed, that’s absolutely fair enough. I’m sorry about your miscarriage . I also think you shouldn’t judge someone or make comments which come across as perhaps unkind because they have a different way of thinking. Also again.... I have never said i’m not relaxed? I was merely questioning which is what these sites can be used for.

Well we clearly have different approaches and that’s fine. In hindsight the ‘really’ comment maybe seemed a bit harsh so sorry for that. I enjoy taking a scientific approach with these things but then again we are all different. You did presumably want responses to your question though. You have come a little bit prickly. For context I’ve had the vaccine and that is a blanket ‘no’ for pregnant women too but I’ve done my own research and sought scientific opinions on that and have approached it with critical thought. I know all minds do not work the same way though.

@SmidgenofaPigeon Thank you for apologising - I understand in your mind you may be thinking “come onnnn” after reading my post, however It just made me feel a bit silly and I don’t think i’m the only one who would perhaps feel like that.

The scientific approach is deffo the way to go I agree with you there, I also find that reassuring when I have read studies over use of salicylic acid for example.

Yes of course wanted answers to my question but “really?” Isn’t actually an answer is it? So i’m a bit confused there.

Oh no, i’m not sure how I have come across prickly, I just challenged your response to me and stood up for myself. If that was prickly then everyone would be being prickly all the time and the world would be a boring place wouldn’t it?

Yes absolutely all minds do not work the same and I totally respect that and what others think, I just think kindness costs nothing that’s all, even when giving and opinion

I totally get you OP and there's also so much conflicting stuff on the Internet. I bought some medical grade skincare recently and they obv know I'm pregnant.

But I decided to look up the products anyway because, well, that's just what I'm like and there's a website called 15minutebeauty that basically breaks down every product from every brand and tells you if it's safe during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. Annoyingly it says 2 of my products aren't safe, 1 because it contains licorice root and the other salicylate. Now I'm obviously more inclined to believe the professional I got it from rather than this website but it does put doubt in my head and its so annoying!!! I'll probably just check with my midwife when I see her next week.

Anyway sorry for the rant but just to say you aren't alone and I did have the same thoughts with things like Sudocrem at one point too. I think now I'm over halfway through second trimester I've become less anxious so hopefully it will happen for you too, I try and just stick to what the NHS website says.

Hey @Luckyelephant1 thank you!! Oh yes me too, I was prescribed Benzoyl Peroxide for my skin (well it’s over the counter) but was given it in prescription and I panicked a lot (and still do) about using it!! I triple checked with my GP and also the pharmacist who all said it was fine! Also says it on the NHS website but it’s still scary as there are contradictions online.

I also found that 15minutebeauty website online which was useful but it’s very strict isn’t it! I saw that all my foundations and concealers were not ok! I did find it to use another foundation and moisturizer but it is definitely a bit scary!

I also looked into licorice root and NHS says if you consume it (orally) I think. Also salicylic acid I checked with my dr and they said the amount in shelf products legally cannot be over 2% as it would then be classed as a medicine... so that relieved me a bit but I also read the same as you!

Totally agree re the doubt! It plants it in your head and you’re a bit like aaah but we know the professionals we speak to on a 1:1 basis do probs know best! I saw my midwife this morning and mentioned the Benzoyl Peroxide and she said the pharmacist may say no as they are cautious with pregnant ladies using anything. It’s a bit of a jungle out there isn’t it!

No don’t be sorry I appreciate your comment, it makes me feel less alone to know i’m not the only one to query things and wonder hmmmm...

Agreed re the NHS website. Glad you’re feeling better now and best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy xx

OP aw thank you for your lovely message I’m glad it made you feel better!!

It’s really hard I think especially for FTMs. Some people are naturally more relaxed than others, I’m not one of them! Sometimes you just have to weigh things up in your mind. I was prescribed a cream recently and I felt very nervous about using it as basically online it says only use it if really necessary. But both my GP and midwife said it was fine as I only had to use such a tiny amount.

Basically everything you look up online you can find some sort of website that will tell you it’s not safe which really doesn’t help does it!

Pregnancy brings out our most anxious side sometimes, I swear I went a bit loopy the first few months googling if I could eat guiness cake or ricotta filled pasta. I think up until the 20 week scan I was like that but have found I have gotten less and less anxious the nearer to the due date I became. With any product unless it specifically says 'do not use while pregnant' or it's listed on the NHS website, then go for it

@Greeneyesbiglashes I think you’ve had a lot of flack in these responses! It is ok to check products for ingredients and I too have seen the guidance on topical retinols, chemical sunscreens and many acids found in skincare products like citric acid and hyaluronic acid. Every product I have checked that had these ingredients did not have a hazard warning to pregnant users, so I would not assume no warning no problem. Lists of ingredients can be a minefield too so it is definitely not obvious or easy to find out and you aren’t stupid for seeking help from experienced mums.

I think it’s true that if you use a product by accident with a specific ingredient then it’s probably fine and not to worry about it, but if you want to check then check! I would also hope that sudocrem is fine being a baby product, but would be great to know if you got any info from your gp when you went?

I think the Ops baby might be here by now

@Lockdownbear 😂 true