We are going through a difficult period full of fear and major concern for pregnant women as a new epidemic has come to keep everyone up at night. Zika is the latest threat and, just like dengue, it is transmitted by an insect called Aedes Aegypti, which is why using a suitable repellent is essential right now. But which repellent is most recommended for pregnant women?

We know that not all products are recommended for use during pregnancy and that it is not advised to use them without medical guidance. This is also true for repellents, as some contain substances not suitable for use during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention to each detail and to recommendations regarding which repellent is safe and indicated for pregnant women.

With the arrival of summer, rainfall also increases and, with it, the breeding grounds and threat of disease grow, so extra care is needed. Some may mistakenly think that the best choice is a repellent formulated for children due to its lighter and gentler composition. However, during an epidemic, protection must be strong and really tackle the problem, so use repellents labeled for adults with formulas approved for pregnancy, such as the main ones in Brazil: DEET, IR3535, and Icaridin.

Each of these offers different periods of protection, for example, Icaridin provides the longest-lasting protection, staying on the skin for up to about 10 hours. Repellents containing DEET, the most common and easiest to find at pharmacies and large supermarkets, offer up to 6 hours of protection, but it’s recommended to reapply during this period. IR3535 is used in children’s formulas and has a much shorter duration, offering about 2 hours of protection, which is not ideal for pregnant women, as it requires more frequent reapplication and the protection is not as intense as those previously mentioned.

Precautions and Natural Repellents for Pregnant Women

Aside from pharmacy repellents, we can use other effective and natural methods to reduce the risk of this epidemic, but it’s important to note that these are not as strong or long-lasting as the chemical repellents, especially those based on icaridin, which can last even longer and generally require only one application a day. For those who prefer not to use industrialized repellents, citronella and andiroba are natural alternatives that also help keep insects away. However, their effect only lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, meaning the expectant mother would need to reapply them much more often.

Other precautions to prevent infection include wearing clothes that cover more skin, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Of course, in the heat this may not be the most comfortable or pleasant option, but if you choose lighter fabrics, it can be manageable. Mosquito nets, window screens, and plug-in repellents are also good options for pregnant women to further protect themselves and their families. Remember that the Aedes Aegypti mosquito is active during the day, so repellent and other preventive measures should be used not only at night.

Follow the usage instructions for each product and respect the indicated protection time. Repellents should be applied after the pregnant woman is fully dressed and only on exposed areas of the skin, forming a barrier against mosquitoes and insects. Do not apply near the eyes, mouth, or nose, as the ingredients may cause allergies and irritation to the mucous membranes. You will find some repellents in pharmacies labeled for pregnant women to prevent Zika virus and Dengue, but before using any product, talk to your obstetrician.

Mobilize with your neighbors, talk to each of them. After all, there’s no use protecting yourself against mosquitoes if the breeding grounds remain. Do your part by keeping your home free from standing water and making sure your neighbors do the same. Taking steps to eliminate breeding grounds is the best way to prevent the mosquito from spreading and the disease from affecting more people and causing more babies to be born with microcephaly. Prevention is and will always be the best way to protect yourself!

See also: Zika Virus and Microcephaly – Now What, Try to Get Pregnant or Not?

Photo: Marcos Freitas, Ju Blasina