Reminder: millions of people live and travel in the Caribbean every year without incident. Well-informed and well-equipped, you will enjoy your stay with complete peace of mind.
Why is Pregnancy a Particularly High-Risk Situation in the Caribbean?
Pregnant women are a priority population for mosquito protection in the Caribbean. The main reason is the Zika virus, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can cause serious congenital malformations — particularly microcephaly — when a woman is infected during pregnancy.
Official recommendation (Santé Publique France, 2024): Pregnant women are strongly advised against traveling to areas with active Zika circulation. If travel is unavoidable, maximum protection is mandatory.
---
Authorized Repellents During Pregnancy
| Repellent | 1st Trimester | 2nd Trimester | 3rd Trimester | Breastfeeding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEET 20-30% | ⚠️ With caution | ✅ Authorized | ✅ Authorized | ⚠️ Avoid on breasts |
| IR3535 20% | ✅ Authorized | ✅ Authorized | ✅ Authorized | ✅ Authorized |
| Icaridin 20% | ✅ Authorized | ✅ Authorized | ✅ Authorized | ✅ Authorized |
| Essential oils | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ Not recommended |
| DEET > 50% | ❌ Forbidden | ❌ Forbidden | ❌ Forbidden | ❌ Forbidden |
Practical tip: IR3535 is the best-tolerated repellent throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
---
Precautions by Territory
- Martinique & Guadeloupe: Endemic Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Maximum protection recommended throughout pregnancy.
- French Guiana: Triple risk — Zika + dengue + malaria. Consult a tropical medicine specialist before any travel while pregnant.
- Saint-Martin & Saint-Barth: Zika and dengue risk. Standard protection recommended.
---
After Return: Mandatory Monitoring
Inform your gynecologist upon return, even without symptoms. Zika can also be transmitted sexually — use a condom throughout pregnancy if your partner has traveled to the Caribbean.
- SAMU: 15 | Emergencies: [Pharmacies & Emergencies](/pharmacies-urgences)
See also
Were you bitten and have symptoms? Read our complete guide: recognising dengue, chikungunya, Zika and malaria, and knowing when to seek emergency care.
Suspicious bite: what to do? →