Can Cockroaches Affect Pregnancy?
WouterPesticides used to control cockroaches can affect a woman’s pregnancy. While they aren’t toxic to humans, their effect on the fetus could be detrimental. Moreover, they can increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Although the term “cockroach pregnancy” is a bit misleading, it is not completely wrong. Most cockroach species do not give birth to live young. Instead, they develop egg sacs where they store their eggs until they hatch. And while some species only mate once, others may reproduce continuously from the first mating until the end of their lives.
To test this hypothesis, the researchers conducted a case-control study. They recruited 30 women from OB/GYN clinics at New York Presbyterian and Harlem Hospitals. The study’s eligibility criteria were based on the age of the woman and whether or not she reported using high-toxicity insecticides in the course of her pregnancy.
The study also included a follow-up study. This involved collecting indoor air samples from intervention and control homes after two weeks. The two follow-up samples were collected using the same protocols as the baseline air samples. This second study targeted the 38th to 40th week of pregnancy, but in some cases, this was delayed due to premature births. The follow-up study also included the use of six pheromone-glue traps placed in the kitchens of the subjects. The roaches caught in the traps were counted.
Pregnant women must take every precaution to ensure that they are able to give birth to a healthy baby. Exposure to pesticides can affect the developing fetus and cause birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should consult a licensed pest management technician.
