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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Mosquitoes

12 replies

caseyjones · 05/08/2010 13:22

Hi all - I am off to Cyprus very soon and am 12 weeks pregnant. I have read that I shouldnt use mosquito repellant that contains Deet and that I shouldnt take anti-histamine (am somewhat allergic to them). Any advice on what you have done to keep the little blighters away when you have been on hols? Thank you!

OP posts:

Bicnod · 05/08/2010 13:30

If you don't want to use deet you could try using a few drops of citronella essential oil mixed with a base oil (like sweet almond oil or just plain olive oil).

But TBH I would just use a deet product - as long as it's less than 50% it is considered safe to use (see here).

I had to travel to Ethiopia when I was pg for 3 weeks and couldn't take anti-malarials so HAD to use deet as the consequences of being bitten were too dire to contemplate. I was told it was fine to use.

destructogirl · 05/08/2010 13:42

I've been wondering this too. Off on holiday Saturday.
One website I looked at said don't use Deet if you're pregnant, another said that you should definately use Deet when pregnant because getting bit would be worse.

I've just looked at Bicnod's link and it seems to depend on where you are going. I'm going to Rhodes.

Going to Docs tomorrow, I'll see what he says about it.

Original poster

caseyjones · 05/08/2010 16:12

Thank you both! I like the idea of citronella oil.
I will look forward to hearing what your Doctor also suggests destructogirl.

OP posts:

slimyak · 05/08/2010 16:19

OK here's a strange one for you but I'm assured it works and will be trialing it myself in Italy next week.

Apparently Avon Skin So Soft body lotions and Dry Oil Spray is great at keeping biting insects away. Roughty, toughty mountain bikers and wildlife photographers use it. After sun and insect repellent in one! This has been known for years but obviously Avon can see a potential downside in using it in their marketing.

I think you can get it on line if you don't have an avon lady.

glitterjo · 05/08/2010 16:36

I can totally attest to the power of the Avon SSS products - as an exile Scot I seem to particularly attract midges when I go home (perhaps they are bitter I have abandoned the motherland?) and Skin So Soft seems to stop them in their tracks. You can indeed get it online. And it is brilliant. And smells much nicer than mozzie repellent.

Original poster

caseyjones · 06/08/2010 14:35

Thanks for the Avon tip - have ordered some of the original dry skin oil on line - fingers crossed. (Memories of getting loads of 'Pretty Peach' stuff as a kid - joys of having a mother who was an Avon lady! Still makes me feel itchy just thinking about it)

OP posts:

yellowflowers · 06/08/2010 15:00

Trouble is Avon Skin So Soft stinks!

Candinha · 06/08/2010 20:09

Any mosquito repelant that is safe for children is usually safe in pregnacy I used my kids's one. Be warned the buggers like pregnant women, warm skin and plenty of blood, even in the UK I seem to attract them badly at the moment - Good luck

destructogirl · 07/08/2010 11:15

Well after seeing my doctor I have no useful info.
I asked about mosquito repellants and Deet, and doc said he wasn't sure, should be ok as it's topical and to ask the pharmacist.

I took 3 off the shelf to ask the pharmacist about, a Deet one, an 'over 6 years' one and an 'over 6 months' one.

All she did was read the back of the bottles and tell me what they said.

Then she said the Deet one sounds best because it says on the bottle it's ok once you're past the first trimester, the other bottles (without Deet)didn't say they were ok and said to ask your doctor.

I was a bit dubious about the Deet one being the safest, but then she said I probably don't need any anyway as there aren't any mosquitoes where I'm going.

So I've bought the 'over 6 yrs' one for the kids to use but I probably won't dare.
Going in an hour, so no time to get Avon stuff

Original poster

caseyjones · 07/08/2010 16:05

The pharmacist gave me a 'natural' repellant (no deet) but said check with your doctor (as written on the back) doctor said she hadn't heard of anyone having a problem with repellants and fingers crossed I'd be ok as well - I felt so much better then {shock}.
Am new on here an already converted - MN advice so much better!

OP posts:

strawberrypie · 07/08/2010 16:14

Hello- just to let you know a campsite I stayed on in Snowdonia recently had Avon Skin So Soft stuff on sale in the reception advertised as midge repellent :) Lots of walkers use the campsite so it must be a hardcore cult product!

CupcakesHay · 07/08/2010 16:22

No advice on not getting them - but if you do get a couple - put clear nail varnish on straight away (before you scratch and break the skin) and this seems to work on making them less itchy.

Personally - the avon stuff never seemed to work for me - but then they adore me - will fly past 20 people to get to my skin :(

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