Anti-wrinkle creams containing vitamin A during pregnancy

[themothership]

Hello ladies

I'm pregnant with dc2, although tis very early days and am consequently going through bouts of anxiety and paranoia about things that I might be doing to harm the sprog. Rereading my pregnancy book from first time round, (The Baby Bible) theres this bit which says that it might be wise to stop using anti-wrinkle creams that contain vitamin A because of the link between this and birth defects (although the studies were on medication and supplements contain high quantities of vitamin A, not face creams). Nevertheless have got my knickers in a bit of a twist because all the face stuff I currently use seems to have vitamin A in it.

Anyone else taken any precautions with creams etc whilst pregnant, or got any thought?

Thanks

Yes it's right about Retinol and other creams with high doses of Vit A.
It's not good and you should refrain from using them.

I almost bought some Roc but my friend who worked for a cosmetic comp said that retinol ois very strong and you shouldn't use it in pregnancy or even when you're not pregnant and below 30. I was going to use it to prevent but she insisited that you didn't need to until you got wrinkles!

Hi . I'm not an expert, but from what my dermatologist says, the quantity of vitamin A (retinol)in commercial face creams isn't even enough to do anything re: wrinkles, and certainly doesn't need to be avoided during pregnancy (ie, because of such small percentage of 'active' ingrediants). If you get retinol prescribed (for skin probs etc) then yes, this would need to be avoided, but not with face creams over the counter etc. Interestingly, she said that for the amount of vit A to have any effect (and be avoided in pregnancy) the creams would have to be classified as medicinal in purpose (and therefore onlt avail on prescription).
Hope this helps a bit
I think a lot of advice is very premised on a 'not known' basis, simply because they can't carry out tests on pregnant women for ethical reasons, so I really wouldn't worry . Good luck with your pregnancy!

Thank you both... don't have anything with retinol, but do have products by REN which have vitamin A use with caution.