Insect Repellent For Pregnancy

In the past, you may not have thought much about applying mosquito repellent before going outside. However, now you’re pregnant, and you’re wondering if mosquito repellent is safe to use during pregnancy.

Insect Repellent For Pregnancy

Topical applications during pregnancy. It’s important for you to understand that anything you apply to your skin is absorbed into your body and can have an effect on your growing baby. This extends to insect repellents, and especially mosquito repellents, that you may apply more often.

The danger of mosquito bites. Mosquitos do not pose any more of a threat to you while you are pregnant than when you aren’t. Mosquitos are sometimes more attracted to pregnant women, leaving you with a higher risk of being bitten.

Mosquitoes carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika Virus. These spread easily to humans and can be very dangerous for you and your unborn baby. Zika Virus is proven to cause birth defects in babies whose mothers contracted the disease during pregnancy.

About mosquito repellent. Always read labels before purchasing a mosquito repellent. Look for brands that have ingredients approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The following active ingredients are safe for expectant or breastfeeding mothers:

  • DEET, considered to be the most effective ingredient to prevent mosquito bites
  • Picaridin, a common alternative to DEET, also known as KBR 3023 and icaridin in other countries
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone

When you read a label, check for what other insects the spray will repel. Mosquitos are the most common concern, but other bugs can also pose dangers during pregnancy. If another type of insect is more prevalent in your area, purchase a repellent with the correct active ingredient for your concerns.

Keep in mind that there are other types of bug sprays that are not intended for use on your skin. Pesticides are poisonous. They are very dangerous for people in general, and especially for your unborn baby who is still developing.

Exposure to other types of poisonous bug chemicals may cause miscarriage, premature delivery, or birth defects. Read labels carefully before applying anything to your skin.

Applying mosquito repellent. Read the instructions for applying mosquito repellent. Use the repellent on all exposed skin, including your face, ears, neck, hands, ankles, and feet. Be sure to reapply as often needed since the spray becomes less effective with time. This is especially true when you are sweating heavily or swimming. Immersion in water of any kind can rinse the repellent off of your skin.

Other Considerations for Mosquito Repellent

Preventing bites. If you don’t have mosquito repellent available for use, it’s best to stay indoors. Many moms-to-be opt not to apply mosquito repellent once they know that the chemicals will enter their system. You can wear long-sleeved clothes and cover as much of your exposed skin as possible instead. Make sure your windows and doors have good seals and aren’t left open.

Insect Repellent For Pregnancy

Finding a mosquito repellent to use during pregnancy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re looking for optimal protection from Zika and West Nile viruses. That’s why I reached out to Daniel Roshan, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine in New York City. According to Dr. Roshan, “DEET is the safest, most studied and most effective insect repellent available.” The best mosquito repellents for pregnancy contain DEET — or alternatively, picaridin — to effectively ward off insects for anywhere between two to 12 hours. These repellents can be safely applied directly to the skin while you’re pregnant, and they come in various EPA-approved repellent concentrations and easy-to-use forms, including sprays, lotions, and wipes.

List Of Insect Repellent For Pregnancy

OFF! Botanicals Deet-Free Insect Repellent, Plant-Based Bug Spray & Mosquito Repellent, 4 oz
Price : $5.89 ($1.47 / Fl Oz)
Features :

  • OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent Spritz effectively repels mosquitoes, black flies, gnats and no-see-ums
  • Made with a plant-based active ingredient and contains no added dyes
  • Pump spritz allows for easy application and won’t damage clothing or gear
  • Proven to protect from mosquitoes* (Every OFF! brand insect repellent is evaluated to prove it repels mosquitoes when used as directed)
  • Repels mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus

Additional Info :

Color Green
Item Dimensions
Height 6.43 Inches
Width 1.67 Inches
Length 1.67 Inches
Weight 0.25 Pounds
Release Date 2018-02-05T00:00:01Z
OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent IV, 2 fl oz (1 ct)
Price : $4.62 ($2.31 / Fl Oz)
Features :

  • Deet free (for protection that lasts more than 2 hours, choose a DEET-based repellent)
  • Plant-based formula (active ingredient chemically synthesized from pine oil extract)
  • Contains no added fragrances or dyes
  • Repels black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus
  • Pump spritz allows for easy application

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 4.95 Inches
Width 1.4 Inches
Length 1.4 Inches
Weight 2 ounces
Release Date 2018-02-05T00:00:01Z
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (Pump Spray) (HG-96014), case pack of 1
Price : $4.68 ($1.17 / Fl Oz)
Features :

  • REPELS MOSQUITOES: DEET-free formula repels mosquitoes, including those that may carry West Nile virus
  • WITH OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: The active ingredient in Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree
  • REPELS MOSQUITOES THAT MAY CARRY WEST NILE VIRUS: Creates a barrier against annoying mosquitoes that can spoil the outdoors
  • FRESH, CLEAN SCENT: Cool lemon eucalyptus scent – never feels oily or greasy
  • LASTS UP TO 6 HOURS: Reapply once daily as needed (up to twice per day)

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 5.68 Inches
Width 2.11 Inches
Length 1.26 Inches
Weight 0.02 Pounds
Murphy
Price : $12.49 ($3.12 / Fl Oz)
Features :

  • Protects Against Mosquitoes for up to 6 Hours: Without any nasty chemicals like DEET, you’ll have up to 6 hours of worry-free protection on your next adventure
  • Protects Against Ticks for up to 4 Hours: Our specially formulated spray provides protection against deer ticks for up to 4 hours, as well as lone star and brown dog ticks for up to 8 hours
  • Harness the Power of Natural Plant-Based Ingredients: 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water and Ethanol made from Corn
  • Doesn’t Harm Gear: Spray on your skin or gear, and enjoy the natural power from the only plant-based repellent recommended by the CDC
  • No Dyes, No Synthetic Fragrances, No Harsh Chemicals

Additional Info :

Color Emw7500309
Item Dimensions
Height 160 Inches
Width 28 Inches
Length 52 Inches
Weight 0.3 Pounds
Babyganics DEET Free Travel Size Bug Spray, 2 Fl Oz
Price :
Features :

  • Made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or dyes
  • Made with plant & essential oils of citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass and geranium
  • Plant and essential oils help keep mosquitoes away
  • Product not tested on animals

Additional Info :

Color Multi
Item Dimensions
Height 4.6 Inches
Width 1.4 Inches
Length 1.4 Inches
Weight 2 ounces

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