Using Hydroquinone While Pregnant

Is it Safe to use Hydroquinone Topical During Pregnancy?

This is a common question that many expecting mothers ask, regarding hydroquinone and pregnancy.  There are no definite answers as research regarding this topic is not forthcoming.  The best advice that is given by most individuals is that hydroquinone should be used only when needed during a woman’s pregnancy. Most people believe that it should not be done at all. The best advice is if you need to use hydroquinone, you should contact your doctor or physician. They will weigh the risks and benefits with you and help to reach a consensus if it is safe to be used.

Studies on hydroquinone and animal reproduction have not been done so it is not known if hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. There is no evidence to show how hydroquinone is absorbed into the system. This school of thought means that topical hydroquinone should only be given to pregnant women only if they truly need it.

Another way to see if the product is safe to use is by checking the label. The label of products can tell you if a woman should or should not use it during her pregnancy.

It is not known if hydroquinone passes into a mother’s breast milk. If you are using this product and plan to breast feed, then you need to consult a doctor before you do so.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically.