Pregnancy might increase the attraction of mosquitoes.
Why Pregnant Women Might Attract More Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are primarily drawn to the carbon dioxide and moisture in human breath. However, research suggests pregnant women may be more attractive for an additional reason: increased body temperature. Studies indicate that pregnant women's abdomens are approximately 0.7°C hotter than those of non-pregnant women. This elevated temperature, combined with the potential release of more volatile substances from their skin, may make them more detectable to mosquitoes. The higher body temperature and increased skin emissions create a more appealing "signal" for these insects.
Key Factors:
- Increased Body Temperature: A pregnant woman's abdomen is warmer.
- Volatile Skin Substances: Pregnancy may alter the skin's emissions, making them more detectable to mosquitoes.
- Carbon Dioxide & Moisture: Like all humans, pregnant women exhale carbon dioxide and moisture, which attract mosquitoes.
