Table of contents:
- The relationship between mosquito repellent and infant birth defects
- Mosquito repellent that is safe for pregnant women
- The importance of avoiding mosquito-borne diseases
There are many diseases caused by mosquitoes that can be fatal to pregnant women and unborn babies. However, many mothers are hesitant to use insect repellent. Actually, is mosquito repellent safe for pregnant women?
The relationship between mosquito repellent and infant birth defects
Most insect repellents contain the chemical N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, known as Deet. Deet is a very effective insecticide and mosquito repellent products containing Deet are usually relatively safe to use in accordance with the rules of use.
Even though it is classified as safe, mothers must still be careful because this product may have harmful effects on the unborn baby. A study found an association between the use of insect repellent in the first trimester and a birth defect in boys called hypospadias.
Hypospadias is an abnormality in the position of the urethral opening on the penis or foreskin. However, the relationship between the use of mosquito repellents and hypospadias still needs to be further investigated because the initial studies did not consider the type, composition, and frequency of using mosquito repellents.
Mosquito repellent that is safe for pregnant women
Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the NHS confirm that mosquito repellent products containing up to 50% Deet are still classified as safe for use for pregnant and lactating women. Make sure you use the product according to the rules of use. A certain amount of Deet can be absorbed by the skin and into the bloodstream, so pregnant women may be at risk of illness if exposed to large doses of Deet.
The need for mosquito repellents also depends on the conditions of their respective homes. When you decide to relax outside at night, try burning citronella candles to keep mosquitoes away. In addition, you can also try natural mosquito repellents that are sold at health pharmacies.
The importance of avoiding mosquito-borne diseases
Whether or not to use mosquito repellent may be a problem in itself for pregnant women who will be traveling to areas that are more prone to mosquito attacks, where they can contract certain diseases through insect bites.
Your doctor may advise you to cancel trips to these areas. However, if you absolutely have to go, the use of insect repellent containing Deet will be much more beneficial than the risk of contracting certain diseases. Diseases that can be carried by mosquitoes, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, malaria, zika, and West Nile Virus, can harm the baby in the womb. HPA advises pregnant women to use insect repellent when traveling to areas prone to malaria. Also discuss with your doctor about anti-malarial drugs that can be used by pregnant women.
