When a woman is pregnant, she is at an increased risk for many different types of infections. This is due to the changes in hormones and the body being weaker.
She must take extra measures to protect her health, including exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, and maintaining proper hygiene.
Flea bites are some of the reasons why a woman should pay extra attention to cleanliness and her environment while she is pregnant. Fleas live by sucking blood.
They can live on animals, beds, clothing, and anywhere else where humans live. Flea bites can carry several diseases, including malaria, Murine typhus, the bubonic plague, allergies, and other health conditions.
While they are sucking blood, they can pass these diseases onto the human host. This is very serious if a woman is pregnant, as these illnesses can then be passed on to the baby. It is not difficult to keep the fleas away.
Some things can help reduce the chance of flea infestation and flea bites.
Extra Clean Environments
The woman needs to take extra measures to ensure her home is clean, including all bedding and soft furnishings. She should also remove all garbage and declutter.
Any pet beds need to be cleaned and disinfected as well. The home should be vacuumed often, especially if many areas are covered in carpet.
In addition to vacuuming the carpet, other areas such as baseboards, under the cushions and couches, and anywhere else that pets like to lay should also be vacuumed.
After vacuuming, the canister should be emptied outdoors and thrown away. Vacuum bags also need to be changed often. If the pet is allowed to ride in the car, the car needs to be vacuumed.
Fleas can live in the fabric of the car seats.
Clean the Pets
Since a woman will be around her pets, they need to be clean, and measures must be taken to prevent them from getting fleas.
The pets should be given regular baths, and monthly flea and tick treatments should be applied.
Flea and tick treatments are applied once a month and will prevent fleas from infecting the pet. Both dogs and cats need this type of flea prevention treatment.
A vet should also check them to ensure they are not infested with fleas. If the pets are outside, they should be on a tether so they do not roam into the woods or high grass that may have fleas.
The pets’ toys should be washed weekly in hot water and with a pet-friendly soap. This will help kill the eggs. Their bedding and crate should also be washed every week.
If a woman thinks she may have been bitten by a flea, she should visit a doctor or another health care professional.
Not only does she need to protect herself, but she also needs to protect the baby growing inside of her. A healthcare professional has the knowledge to deal with flea bites.
If there is an issue where fleas may have gotten into the home, a woman should change the way she dresses for the time being.
Fleas often bite the feet, ankles, and lower part of the legs. If flea activity is suspected in the home, a woman should wear long pants, long sleeves, and socks to prevent bites.
While wearing this clothing, she should still wash all the bedding and carpets.
A professional may need to be called in to treat the home, but at least she can reduce the chance of getting bitten and passing an illness onto the fetus.
Some things can be done to help decrease the chance of flea bites. While cleaning the home is the best way to keep fleas away, some preventative measures must be taken if a pregnant woman is somehow exposed to fleas.
Fleas do not like the taste of garlic. A pregnant woman can eat garlic. This will keep the fleas away; garlic is good for overall health.
If a woman gets heartburn from garlic, she can use other things to avoid getting bites. Some essential oils can be applied to the skin to keep the bugs away.
These essential oils include lavender oil, peppermint oil, or cedarwood essential oil. These oils can once again be used while the home is being cleaned.
While it is important to treat the inside of the home and keep it clean, the outside must also be treated.
If a pregnant woman is not able to do things outside, she should get some help. The grass must be mowed often, and all shrubs and trees should be trimmed.
This will remove the places where fleas like to hide. Shrubs or decorative flowers should be planted away from home.
This will reduce the chance of fleas entering the home. Light from the sun will also kill fleas and flea eggs.
Several different sprays can be used to keep the fleas away. Many of these sprays are non-toxic and will not hurt pets or pregnant women.
Do not allow the pets to interact with stray animals because they can pass it on to the pet if they have fleas. If a woman follows the tips above, she should prevent flea bites, especially when pregnant.
Ensuring the home is extra clean and the pets receive proper flea and tick treatment will help keep the fleas away and help prevent a pregnant woman from getting flea bites.
