Hand Sanitizer Safe in Pregancy?

I am currently 4 weeks and 4 days pregnant ( last menstrual period was July 19th)  This may seem like such a silly question, but I need peace of mind.  I am in health care and after I treated one of my patients, I used alcohol sanitizer ( 62% ethyl alcohol) to wash my hands.   Is there any risk to the developing embryo to use these items?  I want to make sure before, I continue to use on a daily basis.  The rational part of me says NO....the paranoid,first time pregnant woman says "Holy CRAP you better ask some one who specializes in fetal development"

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Hoping the worries won't last the entire pregnancy,
R.K.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Especially if you are in health care, you are MUCH better off to USE hand sanitizer than not to use it. It won't be absorbed in significant quantities through the skin.
Good luck!
Dr B