Mosquito Protection During Pregnancy: Precautions

Mosquito bites are annoying at any time, but during pregnancy preventing mosquito-borne illness becomes more important, and you may also want to be careful about what you apply to your skin or use in your home. The good news is that simple barrier methods give strong protection.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or midwife about what is right for you.

The short answer

During pregnancy, the best protection against mosquitoes is physical: screens on windows and doors, a mosquito net over the bed, light, loose clothing covering arms and legs, fans and removing breeding sites around the home. Repellents can be used when needed, for example in areas with mosquito-borne disease, and many health authorities consider repellents such as DEET and picaridin acceptable when used as directed, but check with your doctor and follow the label. Avoid coils, vaporizers and aerosols in closed rooms where you sleep. See a doctor promptly for fever or other symptoms, since some mosquito-borne infections can be serious in pregnancy.

Why take extra care

• Some mosquito-borne infections can be more serious during pregnancy, so preventing bites matters.
• Pregnant women may be more attractive to mosquitoes, possibly because of higher body heat and breath output.
• Many people want to limit exposure to chemicals during pregnancy.

Barrier methods

1. Screens: Keep windows and doors screened and repaired.
2. Bed nets: Sleep under a properly tucked net, particularly at night and during daytime rests.
3. Clothing: Loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and long trousers, especially at dawn, dusk and in shaded areas.
4. Fans: Moving air helps keep mosquitoes away.
5. Timing: Be careful outdoors at peak mosquito times, including the daytime for dengue mosquitoes.

Repellents

• Ask your doctor which product and concentration to use.
• Follow the label directions, apply to exposed skin only and avoid broken skin and eyes.
• Use the lowest concentration that gives adequate protection time, and wash off when indoors.
• Avoid products with unclear ingredients or undiluted essential oils on skin.

What to avoid

• Burning coils and electric vaporizers in closed bedrooms.
• Spraying aerosol insecticides in rooms where you will be.
• Unproven remedies and supplements for prevention.

Reduce mosquitoes at home

• Ask family members to empty, scrub and cover water containers weekly.
• Have breeding sites treated by professionals, with a plan that avoids exposure to you.
• Keep drains, tanks and gutters clear.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you develop fever, severe headache, joint pain, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting or any concerning symptoms, and tell them that you are pregnant and have been exposed to mosquitoes. Do not take medicines without medical advice.

When to call a professional

If mosquitoes are persistent, a pest control provider can treat breeding sites. Tell them about the pregnancy so safe methods and timing are chosen, and stay away while treatment is carried out.

Frequently asked questions

Is DEET safe in pregnancy?

Many authorities consider it acceptable when used as directed, but ask your doctor.

Are natural repellents safer?

Not necessarily. Some essential oils can irritate skin.

Can I use a net during the day?

Yes, when resting, if mosquitoes are around.

Is fogging safe near pregnant women?

Stay away during fogging and ventilate afterwards. Ask your provider.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on mosquito control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full mosquito control guide for Bangalore.