Is It Safe To Use Insect Repellent When Pregnant?

Insects and bugs are a part of our environment. While some may be harmless, others can be dangerous and should be kept at bay with the help of insect repellents.

But if you are pregnant, you could be in a dilemma about using insect repellents in the house, as some of the ingredients in these repellents could affect you or your baby. This MomJunction post helps you find out if and how you can safely use an insect repellent during pregnancy.

What Are Insect Repellents?

Insect repellents are sprays, oils or lotions that, when applied to skin, clothes or bed nets, prevent the insects from biting (1). They reduce the likeliness of bites from mosquitoes, spiders, flies or ticks, and thereby lower the chances of serious diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus or Lyme disease caused by these insects. Since these illnesses are very harmful to you and your baby, it is essential to use insect repellents to prevents the bites.

Interested in learning more? Head here for the full article medically reviewed by Dr. Mamta Sahu (MBBS, DGO (OB/GYN) & written by Rebecca Malachi (BSc).