Is Citronella and natural plant-oil repellents safe during pregnancy?
Not studied in pregnancy and not a reliable bite protector. Where insects spread disease, CDC-listed repellents are the usual pick.
What the sources say
MotherToBaby says natural plant oils, including citronella, have not been studied in human pregnancy, and citronella is not among the EPA-recommended repellents. Citronella candles and wristbands are not recommended where insects can carry disease. CDC notes the effectiveness of non-EPA-registered repellents, including some natural ones, is not known. Ask your clinician; DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and OLE/PMD are the options CDC calls safe and effective in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
citronella, citronella bracelet, citronella candle, citronella candles, citronella oil, citronella wristband, essential oil bug spray, natural bug spray, natural insect repellent, plant-based repellent
Sources
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.