As spring and summer roll around, many of us feel the urge to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, whether that’s planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Take Sarah, for example, who recently reached out with concerns about her summer trip now that she’s expecting. She was aware that warmer weather means more mosquitoes and the potential illnesses they can transmit. If you find yourself in a similar situation as Sarah, you might have questions about the risks associated with these infections and how they could affect your pregnancy. It’s crucial to understand these risks and learn how to protect yourself before embarking on your travels.
What Are Vectors and Their Associated Illnesses?
Vectors are living creatures like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas that can transmit diseases to humans through bites. Some common vector-borne illnesses include Chikungunya, dengue, malaria, Oropouche, and the Zika virus. While these pesky insects can bite at any time of year, they tend to be most active when the weather is warm. Many of these illnesses don’t have a cure, and treatment generally focuses on relieving symptoms, making it vital to take precautions against bites!
How Can These Illnesses Affect Pregnant Women?
Pregnant women can face severe health issues from some vector-borne infections, including serious anemia and the risk of hospitalization. Complications for the baby may arise, such as low birth weight and preterm delivery. In some cases, infections can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, leading to serious birth defects like microcephaly and other developmental problems. If you’re interested in more details, check out some of our other blog posts on this topic or visit Healthline for more pregnancy-related insights.
Traveling While Pregnant: How to Stay Safe
If you’re pregnant and planning to travel, here are some practical tips:
- Before booking your trip, check the CDC’s Travel Health Notices to avoid high-risk areas.
- Use the Travelers’ Rapid Health Information Portal to find out about necessary vaccinations for your destination.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants outdoors.
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellents to your skin and clothes.
- Stay indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Avoid open water sources that can serve as breeding grounds for insects.
- Ensure windows and doors are closed or use screens and fans to keep insects out.
Which Repellents Are Safe During Pregnancy?
EPA-registered insect repellents include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol. Research indicates that these products are safe when used as directed, posing no increased risk of birth defects or pregnancy complications. Conversely, many essential-oil-based repellents lack scientific backing for their effectiveness, so it’s best to stick with EPA-registered options.
Do Parasite Cleanses Help?
You might come across social media posts touting “parasite cleanses” that claim to detox the body. However, these cleanses are not effective against vector-borne illnesses, and their safety during pregnancy is questionable. If you suspect you have a serious illness, it’s crucial to consult a doctor.
In Summary
For Sarah and anyone else planning summer travels, the key points are to avoid high-risk areas, use effective and safe insect repellents, and consult your healthcare provider with any concerns. If you’re looking for more tips on preparing for your little one’s big milestones, take a peek at this post on preparing for kindergarten.