What Are The Repercussions Of Betadine Ingestion During Pregnancy?

Posted on Fri, 5 Aug 2016

Question: Hi I am 23 weeks pregnant going into my 24th week and dealing with a sore throat, I saw the pharmacist today and was told to use betafine throat gargle however when gargling the tiniest bit of gargle leaked down my throat. On the back of the product it states not safe for use during pregnancy - please help me I'm very worried I may have harmed my baby.

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You have not harmed your baby.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani.

I appreciate your concerns. The concern with betadine is because of the iodine content in it. This iodine can freely cross the placenta. When taken in large doses by mother it can interfere with the thyroid function in the baby. The tiny bit that you have swallowed is definitely NOT going to have any ill effect on your baby. You have not harmed your baby. So do not worry.

I suggest that instead of this gargle you can use warm saline gargle, 4-5 times in a day. Drink plenty of warm water daily. Use Lozenges containing honey and lemon.

I hope I have answered to your satisfaction.
If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee