How do pesticides affect a pregnant woman's health? In this article, learn about the harmful effects of inhaling pesticides for a pregnant woman:
The following will teach us about the most significant risks that pregnant women face when breathing pesticides:
The truth about the harmful effects of inhaling pesticides for pregnant women
The use of insecticides is safe during pregnancy if used correctly, as most of the most widely used commercial brands contain an active compound known as (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide -DEET), which is an effective and harmless insecticide for use in limited quantities. It is advised that the concentration be between 35 and 50 percent or higher.
There are no studies demonstrating that the use of pesticides may result in birth defects in the foetus, but if a pregnant woman does not use pesticides in accordance with the directions on the package, it may result in some side effects, including:
- Skin irritation: in women with sensitive skin.
- Seizures: The use of high concentration insecticides may lead to problems in the central nervous system, seizures and headaches .
It is important to note that insecticides lower the risk of contracting certain chronic diseases, such as the Zika virus, malaria, or West Nile virus, which are extremely dangerous to the health of both the mother and her unborn child and must be avoided by pregnant women.
Advice on the use of pesticides
Here are some suggestions for using pesticides correctly and avoiding their drawbacks after learning about the risks of inhaling pesticides for a pregnant woman, including the following:
- Before using a pesticide, carefully review the application instructions.
- All exposed skin, including the face, ears, neck, hands, ankles, and feet, should be treated with insecticides.
- Remember to reapply as often as necessary because sprays lose their effectiveness over time, especially when you're swimming or perspiring a lot.
- Avoid applying pesticides to the face and refrain from spraying directly on the face. Spraying it on the hands first, then applying it to the face, is preferred.
- Before eating or drinking, wash skin that has come into contact with insecticides properly.
- Search for products that have EPA-approved ingredients. The following active ingredients are suitable for women who are pregnant or nursing: DEET, Picaridin, Para-menthane-diol, Oil Camphor lemon.
Safe alternatives to pesticides
There are many safe alternatives to insecticides to avoid the harms of inhaling pesticides for pregnant women, as natural insecticides are a good alternative for pregnant women who have sensitive skin and are looking for ways to avoid exposure to chemicals. Additional secure options include:
- Exposure to the seas of lemon or eucalyptus candles.
- The net and the mosquito net.
- Spread garlic slices in the home garden.
- Place a basil plant near a window.
Ways to prevent insects during pregnancy
You can avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes if you live in an area where they are prevalent, especially if a mosquito-borne virus like Zika is there. Do all of the following:
- Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours as much as possible, from night to dawn, and it's worth noting that mosquitoes carry chikungunya, dengue, and Zika most of the time during the day.
- Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and socks, and be sure to protect your ankles and neck, as some mosquitoes can head for these areas of the body and bite without you noticing.
- Make sure that doors and windows are closed and that there are no holes in the house where insects can get in.