Experiencing summer while pregnant often leads to one question: are those mosquitoes particularly bothersome, or do they just seem to prefer you? The unsettling answer is that the extra itchy bites are real. Mosquitoes are indeed more attracted to pregnant individuals.
According to Joseph Conlon, a medical entomologist and technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association, mosquito season typically starts in late summer. If you’re expecting, it seems those flying nuisances may target you more than others. Pregnancy-related changes in your body can make you especially appealing to mosquitoes.
Why Mosquitoes Target Pregnant People
Mosquitoes don’t necessarily prefer pregnant individuals, but their targeting abilities make it easier for them to hone in on you. They depend on various cues to locate their targets. While vision plays a role, it’s the detection of carbon dioxide, certain sweat components, and body heat that truly guides them to you.
“Pregnant women may be more attractive to mosquitoes,” says Conlon. Changes to the respiratory system during pregnancy include increased airflow. This results in higher carbon dioxide levels, making a pregnant person particularly attractive to mosquitoes due to their affinity for carbon dioxide.
Additionally, pregnancy usually leads to a body temperature that’s warmer than average and can result in increased sweating, which is another cue for mosquitoes to track, land, and bite.
As mosquitoes sense elevated body temperatures and increased carbon dioxide, pregnant people become easy targets. Unfortunately, being an easy target also means a heightened risk of mosquito-borne illnesses that can impact both your health and that of your growing baby.
The Risk of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Beyond their irritating nature, mosquitoes pose a public health risk, particularly to pregnant individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although there are around 200 mosquito species in the continental U.S., only 12 spread diseases. Because discerning which mosquito is biting you can be tricky, protecting yourself from all bites is the safest strategy.
The CDC advises that some mosquito-borne illnesses to be cautious of include West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, all of which can affect a pregnant individual and their fetus.
How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
It’s disheartening to know that these pesky insects can pose serious health risks, especially to someone expecting. However, just because you’re more appealing doesn’t mean you should avoid enjoying your outdoor space.
So, what can you do to stay safe and fend off mosquito bites? Here are five effective strategies to keep mosquitoes at bay while you’re pregnant.
Wear Light-Colored Clothing
A study published in Nature reveals that mosquitoes are drawn to reds and oranges, colors that mimic the infrared shades emitted from human skin. Strangely enough, during the experiment, mosquitoes showed little interest in researchers wearing green, purple, blue, and white gloves, even though they were laden with carbon dioxide.
Wear Long Sleeves and Pants When Possible
We understand the summer heat can feel oppressive, especially when pregnant. Yet, in high mosquito areas, it’s wise to wear long sleeves and pants to reduce the chances of bites.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Tight clothing can allow mosquitoes to bite through, including denim. If you choose tighter clothing, ensure it has a very tight weave. Otherwise, opt for loose-fitting garments, which may decrease a mosquito’s ability to land a bite.
Use a Repellent with DEET
Use a repellent that has been tested and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), advises Conlon. Look for the registration number listed above the ingredients. DEET products should be effective and safe for pregnant individuals when used in reasonable amounts. A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found DEET safe for topical application during pregnancy and not a reproductive hazard.
Avoid DEET on infants under 2 months, and after that, use concentrations of less than 10%. Consult your doctor before applying any repellents on your baby.
When outside and not using DEET, consider alternative repellents like citronella candles, which may offer some defense. Utilizing tiki torches or campfire smoke may help too. Interestingly, bathing in garlic could deter mosquitoes, but might not endear you to others.
Try DEET Repellent Alternatives
Even though DEET is well-researched and deemed safe, some people hesitate to spray chemicals on their skin. Many dislike the scent and greasy feel of bug sprays. To address this, some DEET options now come in a “dry” formulation with minimal scent.
The EPA indicates that some essential oil-based repellents are generally safe but have yet to be assessed for efficacy. Despite minimal health risks, the EPA does not require these products to be registered like traditional topical repellents.
For those who lean toward a natural solution for deterring bites, consider trying repellents with essential oils like citronella, cedar, or geranium. However, it’s essential to avoid oils like peppermint, rosemary, and sage during pregnancy. Discuss with your prenatal care provider regarding safe essential oil options during your pregnancy.
