The season is changing and now there are many things to begin to think about when it comes to protecting yourself. While you are pregnant, that fear may heighten, as there are many ways to go about protecting you and the little one. One thing it is time to protect yourself from as we move into the spring season is mosquitoes. Not only are these little bugs super annoying, they can also pose a huge threat if precautions aren’t taken.
Don’t give mosquitoes a biting chance; those pesky little bites can have lasting effects. Warmer weather is finally in our presence but so aremosquito-borne diseases. Many mosquito-borne diseases you may have heard of, such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus and dengue fever, are at an increased chance of spreading in Texas. It is time to declare WAR on mosquitoes. I will be going over what WAR means and tips on how to minimize the risk and protect yourself.
As a pregnant woman, the Zika virus is one mosquito-borne disease that you may hear of more frequently as it can cause a type of birth defect. The Zika virus can cause microcephaly, which causes damage to the brain development and the growth of the infant, resulting in an abnormally small head. If you are pregnant, you should follow the steps below along with using condoms to protect yourself if you or your partner live in an area affected by Zika or have been traveling in an effected area.
How to declare WAR on mosquitoes?
- Wear long sleeves and pants
- Apply EPA-approved insect repellent
- Remove standing water
These steps to preventing mosquitos are so important, wearing long sleeves and pants are super important to protect yourself from those bites mosquitoes can pose. Wearing clothes that cover up your body is a much needed. The next step is wearing EPA-approved insect repellent. This stuff is designed to keep mosquitoes at bay. The last step is super important, removing standing water, as this is where mosquitoes thrive and multiply. Make sure that you dump any standing water and prevent the spread of mosquitoes.
I want to invite you to follow these steps and declare WAR on mosquitoes to protect yourself this season. Also, for all of my pregnant mama’s, what other tips and tricks have you found to be most helpful in protecting yourself from mosquitoes?!
In partnership with Texas Department of State Health Services, all opinions are my own.
