Is DEET insect repellent safe during pregnancy?
CDC says EPA-registered repellents like DEET are safe and effective in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed.
What the sources say
CDC states EPA-registered repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. MotherToBaby: under 10% of DEET on skin enters the bloodstream, and appropriate use is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects; benefits may outweigh risks where insects spread disease. Follow the label, apply to exposed skin or clothing only, not on cuts or irritated skin, choose the lowest strength that covers your time outdoors (higher % lasts longer, not stronger). While nursing, keep repellent off the nipple area.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
ben's, bug spray, deet, diethyltoluamide, insect repellent, mosquito spray, n,n-diethyl-m-toluamide, n,n-diethyl-meta-toluamide, off bug spray, off deep woods, off!, repel deet
Sources
- CDC: Avoid Bug Bites
- MotherToBaby: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET)
- CDC: Other Environmental Exposures (Breastfeeding)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.