Hiking, camping and other outdoor activities are wonderful ways to stay active and enjoy the fall weather. In addition to staying hydrated and wearing proper sun protection, it is important to protect yourself against insects like mosquitos and ticks – especially if you are pregnant.
Insect-borne illnesses are on the rise
In recent years, the numbers of ticks and mosquitos have increased in many parts of the United States. This means that tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue fever are also on the rise. It is important to know how to prevent and treat these conditions.
Why is pregnancy important to consider?
Some infections like Zika virus are known to affect fetal development if they occur during pregnancy. For some infections, the potential impacts on pregnancy and infant outcomes are not well known.
Sarah Mulkey, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the Children’s National Congenital Infection Program, is interested in understanding how a child’s development is affected by exposure to infections in the womb. Dr. Mulkey is currently recruiting participants for a paid research study on the effects of Lyme disease during pregnancy.
It’s important to know that getting a mosquito or tick bite does not mean you or your baby will get sick. Most mosquitos and ticks don’t carry any diseases. However, there are important steps you can take to prevent insect bites from occurring, and if they do happen, it’s important to know what to look for and what to do!
Pregnancy-safe ways of preventing mosquito and tick bites
- Use insect repellent. When used as directed, bug spray and other forms of insect repellent are safe to use during pregnancy. Insect repellent can be used on clothing or on exposed skin. There are also insect-repelling devices like diffusers that can be used outdoors to protect a certain area outside.
- Choose the right clothes. Cover exposed skin as much as possible – especially near your legs and feet. When possible, wear closed-toe shoes, socks that go above your ankle, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants tucked into your socks or shoes. Tip: By wearing light-colored clothes, you will be able to spot ticks better if they land on you!
- When hiking, stay on marked trails. Try to avoid walking in areas with long grass or brush, since those areas are where ticks are most likely to be found. When planning an outdoor activity, try to avoid areas near standing water, especially during dawn and dusk – that’s a mosquito’s favorite time!
- After spending time outside, shower and check for ticks. Ticks can be very small, so check your body carefully. A lint roller may be a helpful tool for picking up any ticks on your clothes or body. You may need to ask someone else to help you check places that are hard to see, like behind your ears or on your scalp. Make sure to check your pets, too – even if you use tick prevention products on them!
What if I find a tick attached to me? Click here to learn from the study team about what to do.
I was diagnosed with Lyme while pregnant… Now what?
If you were bitten by a tick and diagnosed with Lyme disease while pregnant, you are not alone.
Researchers at Children’s National in Washington, DC are leading a study to help pregnant participants who were diagnosed with Lyme disease. The study will follow participants through their child’s early years to see if children are developing as expected. Participants will be paid for their time at each study visit. The study can be completed remotely and is available to anyone living in the United States or Canada.
For more information about the study, please visit the website at https://lymeinpregnancyresearch.com/. You may also contact Dr. Mulkey and the research team at 202-476-3388 or email the research coordinator at [email protected].
