No, we are not telling you to just pack off your microwave and become dependent on your conventional gas stove for the nine months of your pregnancy. But there is enough reason you should be cautious about things around you so that you don t harm your growing baby or make yourself sick. While there are no concrete studies to suggest that a microwave can be harmful for you during pregnancy, but you can t ignore the fact that the electromagnetic rays emitted by electronic appliances do have their own perils. Here are eight things in the environment that can harm your baby in womb.
There are enough studies to indicate that rays emitted from ultrasounds, microwaves and x-rays have an effect on the embryonic growth and can lead to deformities. However, the risk is only greater if a pregnant woman is exposed to continuous exposure of the rays beyond the permissible limits (0.5 rem) [1]. That said, you shouldn t be ignorant about the microwave you have at home. Here are 10 other things you should beware of during pregnancy.
Here are few things you need to consider if you use a microwave at home
1. If you have a very old microwave, get it changed to a new one and check on its radiation levels reading the manufacture s manual. Most microwaves for domestic use emit low-level radiations that are safe even for pregnant women.
2. If you are not keen on replacing your microwave then check for any potential leakage. If the door of your microwave is damaged or lose, it can emit magnetic waves while in use that could be dangerous. To check for leakage, put your hands across the door when in use, if you can feel air, then it has a dysfunctional door that can emit radiations. Change it or repair it.
3. Never stand across the microwave while it is in use during your pregnancy.
4. Avoid overheating liquids or other food items in your microwave.
5. If your microwave is leaking and you cannot replace it, better don t use it.
Although, most pregnant women might take this advice with a pinch of salt, however a study done on pregnant rats to check the effects of microwave radiation showed some shocking facts. The study claimed that rats who were exposed to microwave radiations around 30 minutes during the day had babies with progressive edema in brain and constricted blood vessels [2]. This study alone is enough to make you take the right precaution with your microwave during pregnancy.
References
1. 1: Brent RL. The effect of embryonic and fetal exposure to x-ray, microwaves, and ultrasound: counseling the pregnant and nonpregnant patient about these risks. Semin Oncol. 1989 Oct;16(5):347-68. Review. PubMed PMID: 2678486.
2. 1: Inal z SS, Da da S, Ceviz A, Bilici A. Acceptable radiation leakage of microwave ovens on pregnant and newborn rat brains. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol.1997;24(4):215-9. PubMed PMID: 9478323.
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