Are Mosquitoes More Attracted to Pregnant Women?

Several studies have suggested that pregnant women are more attractive to mosquitoes. This increased attraction is based on physiological changes that take place during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body temperature rises. This higher temperature is a cue for mosquitoes to detect and bite. In fact, the average temperature of pregnant women is 0.7 degrees Celsius hotter than non-pregnant women.

During pregnancy, a woman’s skin produces more volatile compounds. These are odorous byproducts that are detected by mosquitoes. These include carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and ammonia. The odorous byproducts are especially appealing when combined with moisture.

The body odour is also thought to play a significant role in mosquito preference. These attractants are usually produced by bacteria that live on the skin. This odour can be detected up to 30 meters away.

When pregnant women are outside, they tend to breathe more heavily. This extra metabolic work results in 21 percent more carbon dioxide released. This carbon dioxide is a universal attractant.

A University of Florida entomologist, Jonathan Day, has studied the factors that contribute to the attraction of mosquitoes. He finds that lactic acid is a strong attractant. When combined with heat and moisture, it’s even more appealing.

While pregnancy may increase the amount of mosquitoes that target pregnant women, there are other ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes. You can wear long clothing, load up on bug spray, and use bednets. You can also take oral antihistamine to lessen the itch after a mosquito bite.

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