The 5 Best Mosquito Repellents For Pregnancy, According To MDs

Finding a mosquito repellent to use during pregnancy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re looking for optimal protection from Zika and West Nile viruses. That’s why I reached out to Daniel Roshan, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine in New York City. According to Dr. Roshan, “DEET is the safest, most studied and most effective insect repellent available.” The best mosquito repellents for pregnancy contain DEET — or alternatively, picaridin — to effectively ward off insects for anywhere between two to 12 hours. These repellents can be safely applied directly to the skin while you’re pregnant, and they come in various EPA-approved repellent concentrations and easy-to-use forms, including sprays, lotions, and wipes.

When it comes to choosing a mosquito repellent, DEET might have a bad rap, but Dr. Roshan explains, “There have been no studies to show adverse fetal outcomes when pregnant women use DEET containing insect repellent.” For long-lasting coverage, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends DEET concentrations of 20 to 30% for optimal safety during pregnancy. Lower concentrations of DEET will offer less protection from mosquitoes. According to the CDC, protection from products with DEET concentrations below 10% might only last a couple of hours (but always check the label for the manufacturer’s specific instructions).

Interested in learning more about the 5 best mosquito repellents for pregnancy? Head here to find the complete write up by Jessica Resendez.