Insect and Spider Spray During Pregnancy

Protection

In an ideal world, a pregnant woman would completely avoid exposure to insect and spider spray during pregnancy. However, there are times when insect bites could cause more harm than the occasional exposure to pesticides. For example, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advises that in areas with a high mosquito population, wearing insect repellent is an important step in protecting a woman and her unborn child from the West Nile Virus. Doctors may advise women with allergies to insects to use insect spray while they are pregnant to avoid a severe allergic reaction.

According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), the risk of birth defects from being exposed to insect repellents or pesticides during pregnancy increases with the length and frequency of exposure. The APA points out that since pesticides are engineered to attack the nervous system of the insects they kill, there is a chance that there could be some effect on the development of a baby's nervous system. This risk is greatest during the first trimester, when the baby's nervous system is being formed. The APA advises pregnant women who live near farms where pesticides are used to move to a safer area, at least until the second trimester.

There are natural alternatives to pesticides, such as citronella candles or oil. Some insects can be controlled by introducing other insects or by keeping yards and gardens free of standing water. However, just because an insecticide is labeled "all natural" or "organic" does not mean that it is entirely safe for a developing baby. Most pesticides actually are manufactured from natural sources, according to the APA.

Pregnant women who do need to wear insect or spider spray can take some precautionary measures to limit exposure. Ask someone else to apply the spray for you, particularly if you are using a lotion. Make sure that you wear protective gloves and goggles if you are using a garden insect repellent, and thoroughly wash any exposed area afterward. Be sure to apply the insect repellent in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's instructions for reapplying.

Thinking ahead can help you avoid certain insect exposure and limit the need for an insect or spider spray. Don't travel to mosquito-ridden areas while pregnant. Pregnant women who are exposed to some kind of pesticide should remove themselves from the area as quickly as possible. Be careful not to panic. Read the product warning label. If you are still concerned, contact a poison control center.