Using Bug Spray During Pregnancy: Safety Guidelines
Bug sprays containing DEET and permethrin are safe to use during pregnancy when used as directed, and are recommended for protection against mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus.
Safety of Insect Repellents During Pregnancy
DEET-Based Repellents
- DEET has been extensively studied and shown to be safe during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters 1
- A randomized controlled trial found no adverse neurologic, gastrointestinal, or dermatologic effects in pregnant women who applied DEET regularly 1
- While DEET can cross the placenta (detected in 8% of cord blood samples), no adverse effects on survival, growth, or development were observed at birth or at one year 1
Permethrin-Based Products
- Permethrin is FDA Pregnancy Category B, meaning reproduction studies in animals have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus 2
- Studies examining pregnancy outcomes following permethrin exposure found no increase in the rates of major malformations 3
- The FDA label states: "There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed." 2
Recommendations for Use During Pregnancy
When to Use Insect Repellents
- Use is strongly recommended by the CDC for pregnant women as personal protection against mosquito bites, especially in areas with mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus 4
- The potential risks of insect repellent use are significantly lower than the known risks of mosquito-borne diseases to the fetal brain 4
How to Use Safely
- Apply as directed on the product label
- Use the lowest effective concentration needed for the duration of exposure
- Avoid excessive application or prolonged exposure
- Wash treated skin with soap and water when protection is no longer needed
Special Considerations
First Trimester Use
- While most studies focused on second and third trimester use, there is no evidence suggesting first trimester use poses significant risks
- If traveling to areas with high risk of mosquito-borne diseases, the benefits of protection outweigh theoretical risks
Alternative Options
- Clothing treatment with permethrin (rather than direct skin application)
- Physical barriers like mosquito nets and protective clothing
- Avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times
Common Concerns
Toxicity Risks
- Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency conclude that DEET has low acute toxicity when used as directed 4
- Some women avoid using these products during pregnancy due to concerns about fetal safety, but the scientific evidence supports their safety 3
In conclusion, when weighing the risks and benefits, the protection provided by insect repellents against potentially devastating mosquito-borne diseases outweighs the minimal theoretical risks of properly used DEET and permethrin products during pregnancy.