Khaberni - Scientific and medical reports have revealed the fact that pregnant women attract mosquitoes at a rate twice as high as non-pregnant women.
Why do mosquitoes prefer "pregnant women"?
Scientists attribute this increased attraction to three main biological factors that occur during pregnancy:
Increased body temperature: The body temperature of pregnant women is often higher than usual, which serves as a strong attractant signal for mosquitoes with precise thermal sensors.
Increased carbon dioxide emission: Due to an elevated metabolic rate, pregnant women release a larger amount of carbon dioxide (an increase estimated at about 21%), which is the primary gas mosquitoes use to locate their victims from a distance.
Volatile skin secretions: The skin of a pregnant woman secretes volatile chemical compounds and aromatic substances at higher concentrations; making her body odor more attractive to certain types of mosquitoes.
Health risks beyond "bites"
The problem is not limited to annoyance or itching but extends to serious health risks. Increased exposure to bites increases the likelihood of contracting severe diseases, such as: malaria and Zika virus.
According to experts, these infections can lead to serious complications including premature birth, low birth weight, or even miscarriage.
Ultimately, protection from mosquitoes is not just a luxury during pregnancy, but a necessary precautionary step to ensure the safety of both the mother and fetus.
