Sunday, July 1, 2012

Working at a computer safe during pregnancy

There's been speculation since the 1980s that computer monitors (also called video display terminals, or VDTs) are unsafe for pregnant women because of low levels of radiation (electromagnetic fields). However, there is no evidence that computer monitors cause any problems in unborn babies.

So before you quit your office job or sit 10 feet away from the screen using a pool stick to type, rest assured that computer monitors are OK.

However, sitting in front of the computer all day can strain your eyes, cause back pain, and make varicose veins worse. So be sure to take frequent breaks, walk around, and stretch your legs during the day.

In general, you should be perfectly safe using a computer while you are pregnant.  It had been thought in the past that the low-level electromagnetic fields produced by computer monitors could be harmful, and could specifically cause miscarriage or harm to your unborn baby.  However, repeated studies have shown that there is no risk associated with these electromagnetic fields. 

The biggest risk in computer use while pregnant is the risk of spending too much time at once in front of the computer, because your body needs to have regular movement.  In addition, while you are pregnant sitting for long periods of time can become uncomfortable and aggravate any problems you may have, such as sciatica.  If you must spend extended periods in front of the computer, take frequent brief breaks to walk, stretch, and move.

There's been speculation since the 1980s that computer monitors (also called video display terminals, or VDTs) are unsafe for pregnant women because of low levels of radiation (electromagnetic fields). However, there is no evidence that computer monitors cause any problems in unborn babies.

So before you quit your office job or sit 10 feet away from the screen using a pool stick to type, rest assured that computer monitors are OK.

However, sitting in front of the computer all day can strain your eyes, cause back pain, and make varicose veins worse. So be sure to take frequent breaks, walk around, and stretch your legs during the day.



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