Pregnancy & radiation. Helping mums-to-be find out more about the potential health risks from everyday exposure to radiation in pregnancy.
During pregnancy there are lots of things for new mums to think about and prepare for, be it; researching a hospital or midwife, working out the right prenatal dietary plan or kicking any habits harmful to the baby’s development, such as drinking and smoking.
It’s a natural instinct for a new mother to want the best for the baby they are bringing into the world. Of increasing concern is the possibility of harming the development of the foetus during pregnancy, with exposure to electromagnetic radiation from sources such as laptops, mobile phones and microwaves.
What health risks are associated with radiation exposure during pregnancy?
Telecommunication devices such as cellphones, cordless telephones and wireless devices use radiofrequency waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation (EMR), to receive and send signals. EMR is also generated by everyday household appliances, such as televisions, computers and printers.
We know that very high levels of electromagnetic radiation can produce molecular changes in body tissue and DNA. This type of radiation, generated by X-rays and gamma rays, is known as ionizing radiation.
The radiation emitted by radiofrequency waves, microwaves and electrical appliances is called non-ionizing radiation, because some studies have shown no biological effects from this kind of low-level radiation.
Nonetheless, many experts remain concerned. Research has shown correlations between electromagnetic radiation and higher incidences of miscarriage and childhood leukemia. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified radiofrequency fields as, “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
And while the Food and Drug Administration in the US (FDA) does not believe that there is an association between cell phone use and adverse health outcomes, they still express caution, stating that, “There is consensus that additional research is warranted to address gaps in knowledge, such as the effects of cell phone use over the long-term and on pediatric populations.”
Why are children and babies more at risk?
A 2005 study published in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, raised concerns that children were especially vulnerable to cellphone and wireless radiation due to their developing nervous systems and "more conductive" brain tissue.
Cellphone use during pregnancy has also been linked to behavioral problems later in life. In 2008, Professor of Epidemiology at UCLA, Doctor Leeka Kheifets, studied the scholastic performance of over 13 000 children and found that when a mother used a cellphone during pregnancy, there was a 54% higher incidence of behavioral issues at school, including hyperactivity, inattention and emotional issues.
How to minimize your baby’s exposure to radiation
Being conscious about EMR safety during pregnancy doesn’t have to mean giving up modern technology, like your cellphone or computer. Instead it’s about understanding the risks and taking sensible precautions where possible.
Here are a few simple ways to reduce your exposure to radiation during pregnancy:
- Use speakerphone or a headset when calling from your cellphone. Keep calls brief or wait to use a landline. Hold the cell phone away from your body while calling, texting or tweeting. (Check your phone’s manual to see what your manufacturer recommends as a safe distance).
- Don’t carry your cell phone on your body, or store it in your pram or buggy.
- Keep cell phones away from babies and children. Consider turning off your cell phone when at home.
- DECT cordless phones are also powered by radiofrequency waves, so swap cordless phones for wired phones in the home.
- Replace Wi-Fi Internet with cabled connections. Don’t rest your laptop on your lap or bump – work from a table or desk.
- Use shielding garments, like a MummyWraps singlet or TummyTube undergarment, to protect your baby from radiation exposure while in the womb. These are especially useful for women who work around computers, or in offices with high levels of electrical appliances.
Order your MummyWrap singlet or TummyTube today. We offer FREE worldwide delivery within 14 days.
