Five baby-approved insect repellents that pregnant women love to use
by Everett Kehew
First of all, you’re not crazy; ever since you became pregnant, you have been targeted by mosquitos. Pregnant women tend to take more breaths and have higher body heat, which draws mosquitos like, well, flies.
Mosquitos carry many diseases that can harm prenatal babies and bring unwanted medical complications to your pregnancy. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the five best insect repellents for pregnant women to keep you and your baby comfortable and safe.
Whether you plan on spending next summer in the backwoods or the backyard, these sprays and salves will make bugs think twice before bothering a mom-to-be.
Why should I wear insect repellents?
It’s bad enough that bug bites can puff up into itchy, unsightly sores. But there is a more important reason why everyone—and especially pregnant women—should wear insect repellent: bug bites can cause a host of diseases, ranging from mild to debilitating.
Take mosquitoes. These pests carry some frightening illnesses; the West Nile virus, for instance, can cause fevers, joint pains, and diarrhea—the last thing you need when you are already dealing with your pregnancy.
In some cases, it can even lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). With no known vaccine, it is imperative that you protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Outside of North America, mosquitos can carry the Zika virus, which studies have shown to cause microcephaly in unborn infants. Using effective insect repellent isn’t just about keeping you safe; it’s about your baby’s safety too.
Deer ticks are known for carrying Lyme disease which can cause pain, stiffness, and skin conditions. Although the chance is low, this disease can infect placenta and spread to the fetus. That’s why it is important to use an insect repellent that affects more than just mosquitos.
Types of insect repellents
Insect repellents usually have an ingredient that bugs find unbearable. While most commercially available repellents are approved by the EPA for use by pregnant women, it is important to find products that you feel comfortable putting on your skin.
DEET
DEET-based insect repellents contain the chemical N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, which deters mosquitos, ticks, and other insects from landing on human skin. It is the standard ingredient in most bug sprays, and widely considered to be the benchmark for effectiveness.
When used properly, DEET does not cause any harmful side effects. Two separate studies found that while DEET can enter the womb, it only presents itself in small quantities and has not been found to increase the rate of birth defects.
Be sure to use a product that contains less than 30% concentration, and you can feel secure using DEET.
Picaridin
Picaridin, also known as icaridin, is another chemical that bugs avoid at all cost. It is about as effective as DEET, and it works better on flies. Unlike DEET, picaridin doesn’t degrade plastics upon contact. It is totally safe to use, although it can irritate the eyes.
Synthesized plant oils
Some synthesized plant oils are regulated by the EPA and have been shown to be effective in shooing away insects. Eucalyptus oil, and the synthetic oil IR3535 can both last for hours without having to be reapplied. Plus, they take away some of the anxiety that comes with spraying chemicals on your skin.
Natural plant oils
Many plant oils have naturally-occurring insect repellent qualities. Soybean, lemongrass, citronella, cedar, peppermint, lavender, and geranium oils are all known to keep bugs at bay.
However, because they are not chemicals, they are not regulated by the EPA, and there are fewer studies to back up their effectiveness.
They tend to not work as well as their chemical alternatives, but they can be the perfect choice for someone who prefers insect repellents with natural ingredients.
Can insect repellents hurt my baby?
In short, no. Even the most noxious chemical on this list—DEET—has been studied extensively by scientists since the fifties. The consensus is that all of these remedies are safe insect repellents for pregnant women.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Studies of DEET assume that people are using these chemicals as directed.
That means using solutions with less than 30% concentration, not applying it under clothes, and keeping it away from your eyes and mouth. With these precautions in place, there is no risk for your baby.
When it comes to insect repellents with natural ingredients, it is good to remember that plant-based products can be just as potent as chemicals. Products should be used as directed, and you should stop using them if you experience any kind of negative reaction.
Our top 5 insect repellents for pregnant women
Sawyer 20% Picardin Insect Repellent
This insect repellent contains a safe amount of Picaridin and lasts up to 12 hours. It was rated as the best bug repellent for children aged 6-12, no doubt in part because of Picaridin’s effectiveness and safety.
With this tried-and-true repellent, you can be sure that you and your baby will have a comfortable summer. Get it here.
Natrapel Picardin Tick and Insect Repellent Eco-Spray
Natrapel is known for their natural insect repellents, but they produce an eco-friendly Picaridin spray too. It uses a 20% concentration that goes on easy with their patented Eco-Spray technology instead of a pump bottle.
This easy-to-apply spray is geared to families—why not expecting families too? Get it here.
Substance Eucalyptus Summer Spray
This all-natural spray is made with whole leaf eucalyptus, lemongrass, cedar leaf, citronella, lavender and neem oils.
They can’t technically license this product as an insect repellent because it uses natural ingredients, but these essential oils are time-tested bug blockers that will leave you smelling amazing.
You might not be able to tell if it’s the lavender oil that’s calming you, or the knowledge that you are only putting natural oils into your system. Get it here.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! There is a reason why OFF remains at the top of the insect repellent market: it just works. Nothing fancy here; just 25% DEET and a smell that will bring you back to summer camp.
Pick it up at your local department store or buy it online here.
Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito and Tick Repellent Spray
Unlike some insect repellents with natural ingredients, this spray is EPA approved! With the comfort of natural ingredients and the safety of EPA vetting, you can rest assured that using this product will not harm your unborn child.
Plus, it smells great! Get it here.