Insect Repellent in Pregnancy: What's Safe and What to Avoid

TL;DR — key takeaways

• Health authorities agree that protecting yourself from mosquito and tick bites matters more in pregnancy, not less — some insect-borne infections (Zika, malaria, dengue) can affect a developing baby.
• The CDC and NHS state that EPA-registered repellents — including DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and PMD (the plant-based active in oil of lemon eucalyptus) — can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding when applied as directed on the label.
• The active ingredient matters more than whether a product is ‘natural’. A registered, clinically tested repellent at the right concentration is what gives reliable protection.
• Avoid relying on unproven options (citronella candles, wristbands, ultrasonic apps) as your only defence, and avoid undiluted essential oils on skin.
• Always read the product label and check with your midwife or GP — this article is general information, not a substitute for personal medical advice.

Pregnancy changes a lot of everyday decisions, and insect repellent is one many parents-to-be ask about. The instinct to avoid ‘chemicals’ is understandable — but the bigger, evidence-based risk usually comes from the bite itself, not the repellent. Here is what mainstream health authorities actually say about using insect repellent in pregnancy, what to look for, and what to be cautious about.

Why bite protection matters more during pregnancy

Mosquitoes and ticks are not just an itchy nuisance. Several infections they carry are of particular concern for pregnant women and their babies:

• Zika virus — spread by Aedes mosquitoes, Zika in pregnancy is linked to serious birth defects including microcephaly. The ECDC and CDC advise pregnant women to avoid travel to areas with active transmission and to prevent bites rigorously.
• Malaria — pregnant travellers are more vulnerable to severe malaria, which can harm both mother and baby. Bite avoidance is a core part of prevention alongside any prescribed medication.
• Dengue and other arboviruses — increasingly relevant for travellers to tropical regions.
• Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) — spread by ticks across Europe, including Central Europe. Preventing tick bites is the first line of defence.

In other words, the goal in pregnancy is the same as for everyone else — don’t get bitten — but the stakes can be higher, so a repellent that genuinely works is worth getting right.

What the evidence says about repellents in pregnancy

The reassuring headline: the major public-health bodies do not tell pregnant women to skip repellent. They tell them to choose a registered product and use it correctly.

• The CDC states that pregnant and breastfeeding women can use EPA-registered insect repellents, including those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus / PMD, when used according to the product label.
• The NHS advises that repellents containing DEET are safe to use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, again following the label instructions.
• The EPA registers skin-applied repellent ingredients for safety and efficacy and provides a search tool to find a product matched to your needs and duration of protection.

The common thread is ‘as directed’: apply to exposed skin only, avoid broken or irritated skin, wash off when you come indoors, and follow the stated reapplication times.

DEET vs plant-based actives

DEET is the most-studied repellent and is considered safe in pregnancy by the CDC and NHS. Many parents-to-be still prefer a plant-based option for comfort and skin feel. The key point is that ‘plant-based’ is only meaningful if the active ingredient is a proven, registered one. PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol) — the refined active most often derived from lemon eucalyptus — is recommended by the CDC and ECDC alongside DEET, picaridin and IR3535 as an effective option. That is very different from an unrefined essential oil with no registration behind it.

What to avoid — and what to be cautious about

• Don’t rely on gimmicks. Citronella candles, repellent wristbands and ultrasonic phone apps have little supporting evidence. Used as your only protection, they leave you exposed.
• Be careful with neat essential oils. Pure, undiluted oils (including pure lemon eucalyptus oil, which is not the same as refined PMD) can irritate skin and some are best avoided in pregnancy — ask a pharmacist if unsure.
• Patch-test first. Skin can become more sensitive in pregnancy. Try a small area before broad use.
• Mind sunscreen order. Apply sunscreen first, let it absorb, then repellent on top.
• Combine with physical barriers. Long sleeves, light colours, mosquito nets and avoiding peak biting times all reduce your reliance on any single product.

How incognito® helps

If you want a DEET-free option built around a registered active, our Insect Repellent Spray 100ml uses plant-based PMD (Citrepel®), is clinically tested, vegan and biodegradable, and is recommended against both mosquitoes and ticks. For families, the gentler Kids Insect Repellent Spray is formulated for sensitive skin once your little one arrives. As with any repellent — including ours — please read the product label for usage guidance and check with your midwife or GP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For more background, see our guides on whether natural insect repellents actually work and whether citronella really repels mosquitoes.

FAQs

Is it safe to use insect repellent while pregnant?
Yes — the CDC and NHS state that EPA-registered repellents can be used in pregnancy when applied as directed on the label. Preventing bites is important because some insect-borne infections can affect a developing baby. Always check the label and ask your midwife or GP if unsure.

Can I use DEET when pregnant?
The CDC and NHS consider DEET safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used according to the instructions. If you prefer a plant-based option, choose one with a registered active such as PMD rather than an unproven essential oil.

Is a natural or plant-based repellent better during pregnancy?
Not automatically. What matters is whether the active ingredient is proven and registered. PMD is a plant-based active recommended by the CDC and ECDC; an unrefined essential oil with no registration is not a reliable substitute.

Should I avoid travelling to mosquito areas while pregnant?
The ECDC and CDC advise pregnant women to avoid areas with active Zika transmission. If you do travel to regions with malaria or dengue, rigorous bite prevention and any prescribed medication are essential — speak to a travel-health clinic first.

Can I use insect repellent on my newborn after the birth?
Repellent guidance for babies depends on age and the specific product, so always follow the label and your health visitor’s advice. Many products are not recommended for very young infants; physical barriers like nets are often preferred at that stage.

Sources

• CDC — Prevent Mosquito Bites
• NHS — Insect bites and stings
• EPA — Find the Repellent that is Right for You
• EPA — Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients
• ECDC — Protective measures against mosquitoes
• Maia & Moore (2011), Malaria Journal — Plant-based insect repellents: a review

This article is general information and not medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always read the product label and consult your midwife, GP or pharmacist before using any insect repellent or travelling to areas with insect-borne disease.