Pubic lice are small insects that have the ability to crawl from the pubic of one person to another, usually while having sexual intercourse. They can, however, be contracted from other ways. These can be transmitted from one individual to another through clothing, towels or linen, or simply from laying down on surfaces that may have them. They are usually found on the pubic and genital area, but can also live on eyelashes, in armpits, and on the hair of the abdomen. A pregnant woman may wonder if pubic lice can affect her baby.
Pregnant Women and Pubic Lice
Pubic lice have not been known to affect a baby’s health nor the health of a pregnant mother. Some infection, however, could occur with excessive scratching on the affected areas. It is important for pregnant women or nursing mothers to inform their physician or a healthcare professional about the pregnancy when seeking remedies to treat pubic lice.
Some of the medications and shampoos could contain ingredients and chemicals that could harm the baby. Natural remedies may be a solution, such as lavender and rosemary, that have natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, and that can ward off insects. These can also be combined with tea tree oil to help prevent another infestation. Every individual may have different needs, and any type of treatment or herbal supplementation used to treat public lice should be discussed in advance with the physician.
