Are Pesticides Safe During Pregnancy?

Is pesticides safe during pregnancy?

Pregnant people should avoid applying household and garden pesticides, as prenatal exposure to certain insecticides is associated with neurodevelopmental problems, so use non-chemical pest control and stay away from treated areas. In short, pesticides is best avoided during pregnancy when you follow the guidance below.

Why this is the guidance

In pregnancy, activities are weighed on three things: the risk of a fall or abdominal impact, the chance of overheating, and how hard your heart and joints are working as your body changes. Staying active is healthy — it is specific risks, not movement itself, that matter.

Safer alternatives

It's wise to set pesticides aside until after pregnancy. There's almost always a lower-risk way to get the same benefit — a gentler version that avoids the fall, impact, or overheating risk. Your provider can suggest a good substitute for your stage.

What about breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding aren't the same — some things that are limited while you're pregnant are perfectly fine once you're nursing, and occasionally the reverse is true. If you're past delivery and wondering about pesticides while breastfeeding, check with your provider, since the answer can be different from the pregnancy guidance above.

The bottom line

Pesticides: best avoided in pregnancy. When in doubt, choose a safer alternative and ask your provider. This page is general education, not medical advice — your provider knows your history and is the final word for your pregnancy.