Using DEET when pregnant

[JimmyChoo17]

Hi

I have read mixed instructions about using diet during pregnancy.

In Thailand I will have to use some asi am a mozzie magnet. I have mosiguard which is fine and good but need something stronger at night.

I usually use bens 100 which is another pumpspray so no aerosols to inhale. But is it dangerous to use diet on your skin? I will ask the midwife when I see her but wondering heat you ladies have been told?

The chemist said both brands are fine but then I have read online differing opinions...most are negative about aerosols but mine are pump sprays.

DEET not diet!

Does your itinerary include the malarial parts of Thailand?

If you are hoping to avoid just the annoyance of bites, your risk/benefit judgement is rather different from defence against a potentially lethal disease which is generally more serious during pregnancy.

No malaria regions no. We did have part of our trip to a risk area but cancelled it.

I was told it was ok - and reminded if the basics of long sleeves and trousers with shoes (not flip flops) especially at dusk. Citronella was also recommended, and someone told me that Jungle Formula (?) is also good.

Thanks . Jungle formula doesn't work on me! I got bitten 79 times whilst wearing it! Mosiguard is natural so is good but bens is amazing but it does melt everything !!!!

Have just bought some nice long sleeve tops in the sale am hoping won't be too hot.

anyone use any particular brands?

I use mosiguard (available from amazon). Used it in the maldives when 24 weeks pregnant and got no bites at all. Now use it on DD when we go on holiday and she has never been bitten either.

I swear by mosiguard it works miles better than jungle formula. Did your sun lotion have repellent in it? Wondering whether to buys boots which is on offer and contains repellent so have no choice or buying a brand to avoid it and just use mosiguard.

No, I just use regular sun tan lotion and then add a a bit of mosieguard (i use the pump spray on me and the lotion on DD) from about 4.30pm when the mossies start coming out.

I did some research on DEET last July when I was going abroad and 6 months pregnant. Like pretty much everything it has not been tested on pregnant women (understandably!) so in the end I decided not to risk it. BUT I did read lots of recommendations for an Avon So Soft dry oil body spray which I bought and used in Turkey (v different in terms of risk of malaria) and it was more effective than DEET products I have used previously.

Just read here up to 50% DEET products for use in pregnancy.

The So Soft spray's secret is citronella I believe. Maybe a combination of the two?

Randomly, I wasn't bitten once whilst pregnant. I am always bitten to death and I react very badly to the bites. I didn't use anything whilst pregnant and didn't get a single bite. Must be something to do with the hormonal smell.

Could be worth seeing if you will get bit before using anything?