This Is Why Some People Get So Many Mosquito Bites

If you're expecting, you're likely already actively trying to avoid mosquitoes because of Zika (the virus that can be passed to the fetus and can cause birth defects like microcephaly). Being proactive—wearing mosquito repellents, avoiding traveling to areas known for the virus—is crucial because mosquitoes seem to be even more drawn to pregnant women. An older study from 2000 found that pregnant women attracted about two times the number of mosquitoes as women who weren't pregnant did. It could be from an increase in body heat, but also "it's likely due to changes in hormones, which alter their body odor in some way," says Rey.