Is it Safe to Use Mosquito Medication for Pregnant Women?

Medical Video: Is mosquito repellent safe to use during pregnancy?

There are many diseases caused by mosquitoes which can be fatal for pregnant women and babies in the womb. However, even to use mosquito repellent, many mothers are hesitant. Actually are mosquitoes for pregnant women?

Relationship between mosquito repellent and baby birth defects

Most insect repellents contain the chemical N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, known as Deet. Deet is a very effective insecticide and usually insect repellents containing Deet are relatively safe to use in accordance with the rules of use.

Although classified as safe, mothers must be careful because this product may have a harmful effect on the baby in the womb. A study found an association between the use of insect repellent in the first trimester and birth defects in boys called hypospadias.

Hypospadias are abnormalities of the urethral hole in the penis or foreskin. However, the relationship between the use of mosquito repellent and hypospadias still needs further investigation because the initial research did not consider the type, composition, and frequency of use of insect repellent.

Mosquito repellent that is safe for pregnant women

Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS assert that mosquito repellent products containing Deet up to 50% are still relatively safe for pregnant and lactating mothers. Make sure you use the product in accordance with the rules of use. Deet in a certain amount can be absorbed by the skin and into the bloodstream, so that pregnant women may be at risk of illness if exposed to large doses of Deet.

The need for insect repellent also depends on the conditions of each residence. When you decide to relax outdoors at night, try burning citronella candles to prevent mosquitoes from coming. In addition, you can also try natural insect repellents for sale at health pharmacies.

The importance of avoiding mosquito-borne diseases

The possibility of using insect repellent may be a problem for pregnant women who will travel to areas that are more vulnerable 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 really have to go, using mosquito repellents containing Deet will be far more beneficial than the risk of contracting certain diseases. Diseases that can be carried by mosquitoes, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, malaria, and zika West Nile Virus, can harm the baby in the womb. The HPA advises pregnant women to use insect repellent when traveling to areas susceptible to malaria. Also discuss with your doctor about anti-malaria drugs that can be used by pregnant women.

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