Is it safe to use insecticides or pesticides or sprays during pregnancy?

Short answer: Stop using insecticides and pesticides and sprays. Or stay as far away from them as possible.

Some common pesticides used around the house are mosquito spray (BayGon etc.), cockroach repellents, rat poison, gardening pesticides etc. Pesticides and insecticides contain chemicals that are used to attack the nervous system of the insects and cause them to die.

The first trimester is a delicate phase and the nervous system of the baby and other organs are developing fast. So, you should avoid any exposure to strong toxic chemicals like pesticides and insectisides at this time

Some tips to avoid pesticide exposure during pregnancy

• The safest plan is to avoid using pesticides or insecticides in your home, on your pets, or in the garden during pregnancy. Especially avoid them during the first trimester when the baby's nervous system is developing.
• If there must be pesticide treatment to your home, your pet, or your garden for pesticides, follow these guidelines to decrease the likelihood of exposure:
  • Leave the area for some time
  • Remove food and from the area before the pesticide is used
  • Wash the area where food is normally prepared following any application of pesticides in the home
  • Open the windows and allow the house to ventilate after the treatment is completed
  • Don't panic if you realize you have been exposed to a pesticide. It’s the long term and intense exposure to pesticides that is risky. Talk to your doctor.