Daily Skincare Habits to Avoid When Planning a Pregnancy

When a woman begins planning for pregnancy, she often believes that taking care of her health and nutrition is the key to increasing her chances of conceiving. However, some daily habits—especially related to skincare—can inadvertently harm the developing fetus.

It’s crucial for women to consult with their doctor about daily routines and the types of foods they consume. Balance is key. In an interview with Dr. Jehan Awad, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, she highlighted one daily skincare habit that should be stopped when planning a pregnancy, as it can be harmful to the baby.

Skincare and Risks to the Fetus

In recent years, many women have used vitamin A products, including retinol creams, widely promoted for maintaining youthful skin and reducing signs of aging. However, scientific studies have shown a strong link between excessive vitamin A use before conception and congenital abnormalities in the fetus.

Key advice:

Avoid overusing topical creams containing vitamin A.
Do not take high-dose vitamin A supplements orally.
Vitamin A can accumulate in the body for months, meaning even discontinuing it immediately does not prevent potential harm. The critical window affecting fetal development is at least three months before conception.

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for many body functions, including:

Eye health and night vision
Skin and mucous membrane health
Immune system function
Growth and reproductive health

Vitamin A naturally occurs in two main forms:

Retinol (preformed vitamin A): Found in animal products.
Carotenoids (e.g., beta-carotene): Found in colorful fruits and vegetables; partially converted to vitamin A in the body.

Plant-based sources: Dark green vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and yellow/orange fruits such as apricots and persimmons.

Animal-based sources: Liver (all types), cod liver oil, full-fat dairy, and egg yolks.

Can Excess Vitamin A Harm Pregnant Women?

Vitamin A from plant sources is generally safe and beneficial for both mother and fetus. It helps:

Maintain maternal eye health
Support immune function
Aid reproductive health
Promote fetal growth, including bones, teeth, and epithelial tissue development

However, excessive vitamin A—especially from supplements or liver—can be toxic. Research shows:

More than 4,500 mcg/day from dietary sources or
More than 3,000 mcg/day from supplements

…during the first trimester can cause fetal malformations, particularly affecting the nervous system.

Recommendation: Pregnant women should limit liver intake to a small portion once a week to avoid excessive vitamin A exposure.

Benefits of Vitamin A for Pregnancy

When consumed in safe amounts, vitamin A supports:

Fetal organ development (heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, bones)
Eye health in the baby
Immune system function
Tissue repair and faster postpartum recovery for the mother
Healthy metabolism and digestive function in the mother

Summary:

While vitamin A is essential for maternal and fetal health, excessive intake—particularly through supplements or concentrated animal sources—can be harmful. Women planning pregnancy should consult their healthcare provider, monitor their vitamin A intake, and avoid high-dose topical or oral forms to ensure a safe and healthy conception.