Moquito Repellents in early pregnancy.

[Thandeka]

I am off to Thailand in 2 weeks for 3 weeks when I am between 7-10 weeks pregnant.

We did by a tropical insect repellent but it contains DEET and I am worried about the effects on the foetus.

I also read somewhere citronella was also to be avoided during pregnancy?

Main thing is I have to use something as Mozzies love me and the diseases they carry will probably do more harm than the repellent!

or mosquito even!

I went to the Maldives whilst pregnant and I didn't get bitten once as I used a natural spray called kiddiguard - was fabulous. My husband used a 50% deet spray and still picked up a few bites. Would definitely reccommend.

I was in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia when 4 months pregnant. You can find natural repellant - I used ones by Korres and the Organic Pharmacy. Luckily, there weren't many mosquitos at the time I was there, so hardly was bitten anyway. Haven't heard about no citronella during pregnancy, and am pretty sure the Organic Pharmacy one I used had citronella in it. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on a repellant that is safe in pregnancy - Boots must have some.

There is an Avon cream I read about in a magazine (Easy Living ?) that has a side effect of being a mozzy repellant. I think it was called Skin So Soft and the mag said that even army soldiers had been known to use it. I meant to make a note of it as Mozzies love me too and this can ruin holidays. Does anyone happen to know if you can use Anthisan (brilliant cream) when pregnant?

Just did a google - it is Avon Skin So Soft dry oil body spray and apparently has to be the 'woodland fresh' scent. Odd but comes pretty reccomended on other forums !

Ooh - woodland fresh is now know as 'Soft and Fresh'. Promise I am not an Avon rep. Have never owned an Avon product in my life !

oooh cheers but sadly snopes reveals the following:www.snopes.com/oldwives/skeeters.asp

Good googling ! Love the website - made for suckers like me. Reckon you'll have to go the floaty long sleeves and trousers route. Have a lovely holiday - am v jealous.