Pregnancy-safe insect repellent?

23ruffian

Looking for recommendations for a pregnancy-safe and *effective* bug spray. Thanks!

goldie987

The CDC recommends a DEET based spray for pregnant women traveling to zika areas so my assumption is the CDC deems anything DEET based as both safe and effective for a pregnant woman.

[Deleted User]

So I personally would be hesitant to use deet because it is a pretty harsh chemical (I am NOT someone who obsesses about "chemicals" normally - but deet is indeed pretty strong) - I would fully use it if I were going into the deep woods, but if you're just hanging out around town then I would suggest using this:  https://www.amazon.com/Cutter-Eucalyptus-Insect-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B00860Y3DQ

In this study this spray was found to be very effective
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/01/30/464740275/whats-the-best-way-to-keep-mosquitoes-from-biting


Edited to add - check to see if your area has any Zika cases.  Many northern states, while they have mosquitos, don't have the kind that carry Zika.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zika_virus

lionstigersbears

Picaridin is an effective deet alternative, also suggested by CDC

Nerdchild

CDC recommends a repellant with 10% or more DEET or Picardin, so make sure to check when you purchase. Additionally, the two mosquitos that can carry Zika, aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus, may not be common in your area and are believed to be more active during the day. Make sure you wear sleeves and long pants as well, the less skin for them to get to, the better. 

DaddysMonkey

One part dettol, 3 parts baby oil. 

[Deleted User]

Nerdchild said:

CDC recommends a repellant with 10% or more DEET or Picardin, so make sure to check when you purchase. Additionally, the two mosquitos that can carry Zika, aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus, may not be common in your area and are believed to be more active during the day. Make sure you wear sleeves and long pants as well, the less skin for them to get to, the better. 

Curious - does the CDC recommend that for everyone or just women in Zika affected areas @Nerdchild ?

Nerdchild

@antoto Zika affected areas or anyone who feels they might be at risk.  I don't have either species of mosquito in my area but I still sprayed myself with a DEET repellent when I went to a local botanical garden this weekend since the little flying bastards in my neck of the woods are out in full force.  Sexual partners should also be taking precautions because Zika can be sexually transmitted.

VolGirl07

I saw this one at target with the other maternity products and reviews are pretty good so I'm thinking of giving it a try myself:
https://www.target.com/p/zoe-organics-insect-repellent-4-fl-oz/-/A-17079571

creativetype

DEET sprays are intended to be sprayed on clothing. Many stores have "natural" repellents which are a collection of oils that work really well. They make me nauseous either way so... indoors it is for me. lol

eryncameron

I just bought a lemon and eucalyptus bug spray that does not contain DEET. I think it was the OFF brand. 

sweetyjenj

I heard that the Lemon Eucalyptus bug spray is not recommended for children under 3, so should be avoided during pregnancy to be safe. Apparently the chemicals have not been tested to know if it's safe yet, so use at your own discretion.
Apparently DEET IS safe at 7-30% concentration, but to use a lower concentration and apply more often depending on how long you're outdoors. Since DEET is most effective and tested to be safe to use, I'll likely just use that. I love the idea of the DEET free solution (lemon eucalyptus being the best DEET free so far), but since it's not tested as well and not recommended on young children, I'll avoid it for now.

lsisney

I was wondering this, just the other day! Thanks for sharing. 

vlbartlett

Avon Original Skin so Soft is a great bug repellant for babies, pregnant ladies and pets!!

MonaLisaRalphio

My OB said that DEET was totally fine, but it's making me nauseated. I just used a totally natural lavender-based one that I got at farmer's market the other day, and it works like a charm and smells lovely.