Retinyl Palmitate & Salicylic Acid Use in Early Pregnancy: Risks & Concerns

Question
Brenda- I hope you can put my mind to ease. I just determined that I used a face cream containing retinyl palmitate at night for the first 19 days of my pregnancy and salicylic acid (2 percent) on the back of my upper thighs (I work out alot and break out on the back of my upper thighs)for 10 days. I had no idea it was potentially harmful during pregnancy. Have I done something wrong? I immediately stopped using them both. But now I am anxiety ridden.  I can't seem to get a straight answer. Please let me know your opinion. Thank you.

Answer
Dear Ann,

Please do not worry over much! These things happen so very often because women do not often know they have conceived a pregnancy until they are a ways into it. This can cause terrible anxiety, however there is a fairly common theory amongst health care providers called the "all-or-nothing phenomenon". Essentially this refers to a window of time in the first 2-3 weeks after conception when there is none of the crucial fetal development going on. During this window, if the new fetus is exposed to anything which will prove to be "defective", the strong likelihood is that it will spontaneously abort. However, in most cases, this window allows for great latitude. My personal suspicion is it was a nature-made, divine protection since most women will not know they are pregnant for at least 2-3 weeks after conception has occurred.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda