5 Gadgets to Avoid During Pregnancy

If you’re a mommy-to-be, you probably spend a lot of time shopping for baby essentials online, talking to near and dear ones, scrolling through social media on your laptop, and whatnot. But have you ever stopped to think about the damage that gadgets can cause to the development of your unborn child? Yes! It’s true. Excess use of wireless gadgets exposes you and your child to radiation.

There are two kinds of radiation exposure that pregnant women should worry about. The first is non-ionizing radiation, which comes from household appliances such as microwaves, ovens and television sets. The second is ionizing radiation, which comes from X-rays. For years, people have grown increasingly worried about the dangers of high-frequency radiation from cell phones, wireless telephones, WiFi routers and microwave ovens. Here in this article, we will talk about the top gadgets to avoid during pregnancy.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Most home appliances release non-ionizing radiations, which are not as harmful as ionizing radiations. However, Dr. Teena Thomas (Obs-Gyn) recommends that as a precaution, use of these gadgets should be kept to a minimum during the nine months of pregnancy.

• During pregnancy, smartphones should be used only on a need-base, and should be kept as far away from the body as possible.
• Switch to using landline phones preferentially over mobile phones to minimise use further.
• Stay away from radiation by keeping such gadgets far from your bedroom, especially while going to sleep.
• While studies conducted right now are not conclusive as to the extent to which gadgets affect babies and pregnant women, we may never know the long-term effects, so prevention is better than cure.

Why Should Pregnant Women Avoid Certain Gadgets?

Pregnant women and unborn babies in the womb are susceptible to harm by the invisible radiations emitted from many modern-day gadgets, like cell phones and microwaves. Although the evidence is not definitive, and the research is ongoing and inconclusive, some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from these devices may have subtle effects on fetal development. As a precautionary measure, pregnant women should choose to minimise their exposure to EMFs by keeping a safe distance from WiFi routers and using microwaves with proper shielding. Thus, pregnant women should make informed decisions based on their own comfort level and consult with doctors for personalised advice.

5 Gadgets to Avoid During Pregnancy

No doubt, smartphones and wireless gadgets have made life easy! But we fail to realise the cons that come along with this ‘ease’. You’ll be surprised to know the extent to which wireless gadgets affect the behavioural traits of the tiny munchkin in your womb. Here’s a list of gadgets that every woman should avoid during pregnancy.

1. WiFi Routers

On the use of Wi-Fi technology, the World Health Organisation says, “Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects.” What’s important to understand scientifically is that children have absorbent brain tissue and thinner skulls, leaving them more susceptible to microwave radiation than adults. A study published in the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure found that children are more vulnerable to risk from radiation as compared to adults. Most women don’t know that WiFi routers and cell phones increase pregnant women’s risk of suffering a miscarriage by nearly 50%.

2. Microwaves

Microwaves work by using electromagnetic radiation to raise the temperature of food. This radiation creates electromagnetic fields (EMF). It is believed that EMFs cause low birth weight and birth defects. Food heated or cooked in the microwave should be avoided during pregnancy for the same reason. Heating food in plastic plates or bowls is hazardous since plastic containers have a cancer-causing element called Bisphenol A(BPA), which is harmful to you as well as your baby. Thus, the use of microwaves during pregnancy should be dealt with caution and in someone’s guard.

3. Laptops

Worry not! Laptops and computer screens, if used in moderation, are safe for use during pregnancy. The concern arises, however, when pregnant women use laptops for a long period of time. Laptops get warmer with use and if you put it on your tummy, the heat can harm your baby. It’s best to place the laptop on a cushion or a table or use a cooling pad. You should make sure you practice proper posture when pregnant by putting your laptop on a desk or table and sitting upright in a chair. That way, the heat won’t get to your fetus, and you’ll have less back and arm pain in the long run.

4. Cell Phones

Cell phones are the main source of radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields. Pregnant women who may have used their cell phones during pregnancy just two or three times a day still have an increased risk of their babies developing hyperactivity and difficulties with behavioural conduct, managing emotions and dealing with common problems of relationships later in life. The relationship between cell phone radiation and pregnancy is complex and should be dealt with caution.

5. Bluetooth Headsets

Even though Bluetooth headsets are most convenient when it comes to communicating while commuting, their radio frequencies are as harmful as those of microwaves. The bottom line is that it is a wireless gadget that attracts radiation right to your brain through your ear. Even though it’s debatable, wireless gadgets such as Bluetooth headsets must be kept well away from the body when you’re pregnant, as a precaution if not a legitimate safety measure.

Effects of Cell Phone Radiation on Pregnancy

Of all the gadgets mentioned above, cell phones are common across most households, and it’s simply impossible to imagine a single day without them. Cell phones emit high-frequency radiation as compared to other gadgets, which makes them unsafe for use during pregnancy. According to the Yale School of Medicine, “Exposure to radiation from cell phones during pregnancy affects the brain development of the offspring, potentially leading to hyperactivity.” Exposure to cell phones before birth increases your child’s risk of developing certain behavioural problems. Pregnant women must stay away from cell phones for numerous reasons – mainly because at a developing stage, your baby’s brain is fragile and more vulnerable than adults. Your baby’s brain has very little bone protection, which is why there is greater absorption of radiation. Using a handset just two to three times a day is enough to raise the risk of babies developing hyperactivity and difficulties with conduct, emotions and relationships by the time they reach school age. It is also believed that these radiations alter the DNA of adults. Just imagine their impact on your sensitive foetus!

So all the moms-to-be are advised to keep their cell phones away from their abdomens and limit cell phone usage for their child’s sake.

Cautions about Using Gadgets during Pregnancy

Even though it is impossible to completely rule out the existence of wireless gadgets, there are a few measures that can be taken while using gadgets which will reduce your baby’s radiation exposure.

• Distance is the key. Stay away from wireless gadgets, and you’re good to go.
• While using your cell phone, make sure you wear earphones to avoid bringing the phone near the brain.
• Make it a point to turn off any electronic gadget when not in use, especially at night before going to bed. This minimizes radiation exposure during sleep time, which is essential since that’s the time when the body does a lot of DNA repair work.
• Toggle mobile data on and off. Mobile internet services (2G, 3G, 4G) emit high-frequency radiation and must be turned off when not in use.
• Relocate the WiFi router and other wireless gadgets away from your bedroom.
• Replace WiFi technology at home with wired Internet. This might sound like going back in time, but for the duration of your pregnancy, at least, this should be considered.

FAQ

1. Can exposure to virtual reality (VR) devices affect the baby?

The exposure to virtual reality (VR) devices during pregnancy is not studied extensively, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. While there’s no clear evidence that occasional and limited use of VR during pregnancy is harmful to the baby, it’s essential to exercise caution. VR devices emit electromagnetic fields and may cause motion sickness or discomfort, potentially affecting the well-being of a pregnant woman.

Additionally, prolonged use of VR may lead to increased stress or fatigue, which could indirectly impact the mother’s health and possibly influence the baby’s development. Therefore, it’s advisable for pregnant women to use VR devices in moderation and be mindful of any discomfort or adverse effects they may experience. As always, it’s best to consult with a doctor before engaging heavily in any activity that may raise health concerns during pregnancy.

There are quite a few gadgets that will assist you when you’re pregnant. The important thing to remember here is that even though most gadgets are useful, they’re simply adding to your radiation exposure. Moderation is the key! Excess use of any gadget is harmful, both for you and for your baby. To be on the safe side, it’s best advised to use wireless gadgets in moderation so that you and your baby are healthy and happy.

Also Read:

Pregnancy Gadgets for Expectant Moms
Treadmill Exercise during Pregnancy
Are Airport Scanners Safe while Pregnant?

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