Non-ionizing radiation that emanates from common
household appliances and gadgets causes no harm
to your pregnancy. Still, many pregnant women are
troubled when they use microwaves, cell phones,
electric blankets or when they watch TV. There is
no way to avoid non-ionizing radiation which is
emitted from almost every home or office machine
you use these days.
• High levels of non-ionizing
radiation have been linked to genetic damage, miscarriage
and birth defects but there is no concrete proof
to this. The truth is the tested levels have been
extremely high, no where close to what we are exposed
to normally.
• Another theory suggests that electromagnetic
fields are energy waves emitted from most electrical
gadgets. The level of energy waves which are measured
in milligauss or mG determine whether a machine
is safe for use during pregnancy. The study concluded
that a mere 15-20 mGs can harm a pregnancy. Standing
next to a running microwave for instance exposes
you to between 100-300 mGs! (And that is why standing
some feet away from a running microwave makes a
tremendous difference is therefore advisable).
Nevertheless to give
yourself some peace of mind and keep your baby out
of possible harm's way, you can perhaps:
• Sit at least 5 feet away from the TV set
when watching TV
• Stand some feet away at least 3 to the side
when the microwave is running. Leaky microwaves
can be a problem. Test your microwave by putting
a paper towel in the door and shut it. Try pulling
out the towel and if you manage to do it, the seals
need to be replaced.
• Limit the amount of time you spend at the
copier although there are no evidence suggesting
it is harmful
• Invest in an ultra thin flat panel monitor
or a notebook computer. There are no studies showing
a link between working on a computer all day and
birth defects but just so you know whatever radiation
that is emitted comes from the rear of the computer.
Avoid sitting too close to the back of a computer
screen e.g. you may want to consider moving your
workstation if you are too close to the rear of
your colleague's screen.
• Use your cell phones only when necessary
during pregnancy e.g. attend to important unavoidable
calls. The use of cell phones causing radiation
is controversial. Any risk at all is limited to
the user and there is no evidence suggesting a link
to miscarriage or birth defects. According to experts
the non-ionizing rays from cell phones is very small
and therefore not harmful to the fetus. Having said
that never carry your hand phone near your stomach
especially when it is on and limit use.
• Although there are no clear-cut risks but
based on research many experts advise to avoid or
limit the use of electric blankets and heating pads
close to or on your body. Resort to alternatives
as these heating devices can raise body temperature
excessively and that in itself can be harmful. When
using a heating pad wrap it in towel and limit the
application to about 15 minutes.
• Pregnant women are most vulnerable to radiation
exposure or electromagnetic radiation during their
first 10 weeks of pregnancy. And according to one
finding women at greatest risk to such exposure
are those with a history of pregnancy loss or fertility
issues.
