If you're pregnant and wondering how you can protect yourself and your baby from mosquito bites, the answer is simple: insect repellent. Not only is it safe to use certain kinds of bug sprays according to the instructions on the product label, it's also a smart way to guard against mosquito-borne illnesses. Here's what you need to know about protecting yourself from mosquito bites.
What attracts mosquitoes to pregnant women?
If mosquitoes seem to love snacking on you more than ever now that you're pregnant, it's not just your imagination: Pregnant women attract more mosquitoes than non-pregnant women do. Experts think it could be because the pesky bugs are fond of carbon dioxide and pregnant women tend to take more frequent breaths, exhaling 21 percent more air — thereby releasing extra amounts of the gas, as well as moisture, that the pests are so drawn to.
Another reason mosquitoes make a beeline for expectant mothers? They're heat-seeking, and pregnant moms generally have higher body temperatures than other women do, what with all that baby-making going on.
Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases
Fortunately, most of the time, all this added attention from mosquitoes is merely an itchy nuisance. But when mosquito-borne illnesses are involved, bites can spread disease that might be dangerous to you and your baby.
Mosquitoes can carry diseases — including the West Nile, chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses — in different parts of the world. (There have been no cases of Zika contracted within the U.S. since 2017.)[1]
You can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's sites on U.S. transmission of the chikungunya virus, dengue virus and Zika virus, and check whether there are current travel alerts for any of the three via the CDC's travel notices page.
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Are mosquito bites more dangerous during pregnancy?
Sometimes. The CDC has confirmed that when Zika virus infects a pregnant woman, it can cause microcephaly in their babies, a rare birth defect that results in babies being born with small heads, which may lead to developmental delays.
For that reason, the CDC advises you to consult with your doctor if you plan to travel while pregnant to any areas that currently have Zika cases or have had cases in the past. If you're expecting (or are planning to get pregnant), you can read about the Zika virus and how to protect yourself and your unborn baby. The good news? As of 2022, there are no countries with ongoing Zika outbreaks.
Is it safe to use mosquito repellent or bug spray while you're pregnant?
Yes. The best way to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they spread — especially if you'll be spending time outside — is by using insect repellent. If you live in or plan to travel to an area where mosquitoes are prevalent and known to carry diseases, it's essential to take the proper precautions, especially if you're pregnant.
Choose a mosquito spray that's been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All of the following types are considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to use:
- DEET, the most effective type of spray against mosquitoes
- Picaridin, a common alternative to DEET known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside of the U.S.
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
The EPA offers a handy insect repellent tool to help you determine which kind of spray is best for you and your family depending on what bugs you need to ward off and how long you'll be outside.
In addition to applying spray to all exposed skin, you can spray your clothing with permethrin for additional protection.
"Natural" repellents with purified forms of plants, like citronella and cedar, may help ward off bugs. However the CDC notes that experts aren't sure of their effectiveness, so you shouldn't rely on them in high-risk areas.
Tips for using insect repellent and sunscreen together
If you're headed outside during the daytime, skip products that combine sunscreen and repellent, since they're just not as effective as when used separately.
Instead, apply pregnancy-safe sunscreen before repellent, and keep in mind that you may need to reapply sunscreen more frequently. The SPF decreases when DEET-containing insect repellents are used.
How to prevent mosquito bites
If you live in an area with mosquitoes, protect yourself from bites by taking the following steps:[2]
- Stay inside during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn, as much as possible. But be aware that mosquitoes carrying chikungunya, dengue and Zika bite most in the daytime.
- Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants and socks. Take extra care to protect your ankles and the back of your neck, as studies have shown certain mosquitoes can pinpoint these body parts and you're less likely to feel it.
- Opt for permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents) when possible. You can do it yourself inexpensively by spraying the product directly on your clothing as instructed on the label. Don't use permethrin directly on your skin.
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin.
- Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
- Keep track of CDC travel alerts and follow all recommendations.
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