Reproductive Health
Navigating safe products for your summer pregnancy, including sunscreens, bug spray, allergy medications, and help for pregnancy swelling, can be tricky. Learn which ingredients are safest and which to avoid during a summer pregnancy.
Book a consult with a pharmacist if you want personalized assistance.
most common Symptoms & Concerns
Overheating
Swelling
Pregnancy Rhinitis
Sun Sensitive Skin
Dehyration
Allergies
Insect Bites
Frequently Asked Question
Ingredients of products we selected:
Titanium dioxide
Zinc oxide
To play it safe, we recommend using mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sunscreens sit on top of your skin, don’t get absorbed into your bloodstream, and provide immediate protection. They’re also great for sensitive skin!
As for chemical sunscreens, there’s some concern about oxybenzone and its potential as a hormone disruptor. It can get absorbed into your bloodstream and show up in urine and breast milk. Although the concerns with this are very small, sticking with mineral sunscreens might be the better option for peace of mind.
- DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide): DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide): This one’s a classic because it’s considered the most effective. DEET works wonders against mosquitoes and ticks. Products with higher concentrations of DEET are not more effective, but they will last longer. If you use a 15-30% preparation, you’ll get a solid 6-12 hours of protection. Just a heads-up, lower concentrations at around 5% might only give you about 2 hours of relief. Health Canada gives the thumbs up to products with up to 50% DEET, even for pregnant women.
- Picaridin: You can also feel safe using Picaridin. A 10-20% preparation keeps you protected for 6-12 hours and is just as effective as DEET when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away. The best part? Picaridin is odourless and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy on your skin. It’s also less likely to cause skin irritation compared to DEET. Plus, it won’t damage your favorite synthetic fabrics or plastics.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus: If you’re a fan of natural options, the lab-made PMD (p-Menthane-3,8-diol) from oil of lemon eucalyptus is fantastic. It’s super effective against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, gnats, and biting midges. A 30% preparation can keep those critters away for about 6 hours.
- IR3535: Not available in Canada but you can feel safe using it if you are in a different country and this is all you can find. This one’s great for midges and biting flies. Go for a concentration of 10% or higher, and you’ll be set against mosquito bites for several hours. The full chemical name? It’s 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester – but you can just call it IR3535.
Natural insect repellents can be hit or miss when it comes to protecting against bug bites. Things like citronella candles, wristbands, or skin moisturizers and oils of geraniol, cedar, peppermint, soybean, lemongrass, or rosemary might not make the cut. They’re not the best choice if you’re in an area where insects could carry diseases.
Insects can spread serious illnesses like malaria, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Getting any of these during pregnancy can be harmful to your baby. So, it’s better to stick with proven options when you’re in risky areas.
First, apply your sunscreen, then follow up with bug spray. If you’re using a chemical sunscreen, give it about 20 minutes to soak in before putting on the bug spray. Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 30, and don’t forget to reapply. The general rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours but more often if you are swimming or sweating. Stay safe and enjoy your time outdoors!
A lot of women experience a stuffy nose during pregnancy even if they don’t have a cold or allergies. If your only symptom is nasal congestion, you might be dealing with pregnancy rhinitis. This condition means you have a stuffy nose that starts during pregnancy, lasts at least six weeks, and isn’t due to an infection or allergies.
To help relieve the congestion, try using saline sprays, doing steams, or keeping your head elevated while you sleep. Decongestant sprays can be a quick fix for short-term use, but they’re generally not recommended during the first trimester.
When managing allergies during pregnancy non-medicated, non-prescription products are often the first line of treatment. Here are some options that are generally considered safe:
Non-prescription products:
- Saline Nasal Sprays: Considered safe and great for washing away allergens and mucus from your nose.
- Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot): Super for clearing out the nasal passages with a saline solution. Just make sure to use sterile or distilled water to keep things safe.
- Air Purifiers: These are helpful for reducing indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or pollen.
- Allergen Avoidance Tips: Keep windows closed on high pollen days, use allergen-proof covers for your mattress and pillows, wash bedding in hot water weekly, vacuum with a HEPA filter, and try to keep pets out of the bedroom.
- Hydration and Humidifiers: Staying hydrated can help thin out mucus, which eases congestion. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help soothe irritated nasal passages.
Antihistamines (OTC):
If non-medicated options don’t work you may want to discuss taking an over-the-counter antihistamine with your doctor or health professional. Even though antihistamines are commonly used during pregnancy to manage itching and other allergies, no antihistamine is categorized as ‘safe’ but some are considered ‘safer’ based on available data.
All antihistamines are rated as a category “B”: which means no evidence of risk in humans; animal studies show risk but these have not been confirmed in humans.
- Loratadine (Claritin): This is a non-drowsy antihistamine and is considered safe for pregnancy. It can help with sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes.
- Cetirizine (Reactine): Also non-drowsy and known for its good safety record. It works well for symptoms similar to those Loratadine treats.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This one can make you drowsy, which might actually help if your symptoms keep you up at night. It’s safe but use it with a bit of caution.
- Chlorpheniramine: Known for its long safety record, this one may also cause drowsiness. This is currently not available by itself in Canada.
If you find that your feet are getting bigger along with your belly, you’re not alone. Many pregnant women experience some swelling, which is pretty normal.
Swelling tends to be more noticeable in the legs and often peaks during the third trimester. Elevating your feet and relaxing with plenty of water can usually help reduce this swelling.
Call your doctor or midwife if:
You notice swelling in just one leg that comes with pain, redness, or warmth, it might be something more serious like a blood clot.
Or, if you experience sudden or worsening swelling in your face, around your eyes, or in your hands along with high blood pressure, it could be a sign of preeclampsia. This condition requires prompt medical attention to ensure the health of you and your baby, so don’t hesitate to reach out immediately!
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