Radiation: What Every Woman Needs to Know

And I am appalled at the commercialization, where you get the 3D imaging in shopping centers. I think this is grotesque and a really bad idea. Like a lot of things we’re doing in technology we are overdoing it.” Can Wi-Fi harm your baby? What about all the other sources of EMF’s out there? Does sitting in Starbucks pose a hidden menace to your unborn child? Unfortunatel Unfortunately, that’s a question we may never know the answer to. Practically speaking, we all now live in a sea of radiation that has never existed before. And there’s really no way to test its effects, because we don’t have a control group of people who are living a similar lifestyle without the radiation. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and limit exposure to wireless radiation as much as possible. For instance, we can use landlines and standard internet connections at home, and reduce our contact with the highest exposure devices: cell phones, cordless phones, phone base stations, and the backs of computer monitors monitors (so if you work in an office try to avoid sitting against the back of your colleague’s computer screen.) One important point to remember is that wireless exposure is an inverse square law. This means that being twice as far away results in four times less exposure. That’s why moving a short distance from the source (like using your phone on speaker setting instead of holding it to your ear) can make a dramatic difference in the amount of radiation you receive. When using laptops and similar devices, understand that they’re not approved for use next to the body. Laptops are tested to be safe at a distance of 8 inches. So while your pregnant belly may make a beautiful table, save it for a bowl of popcorn or a paperback.Another thing to be aware of when you’re pregnant is timing. The most sensitive period for your baby is between the 8th and 15th weeks of pregnancy. That’s when her brain and nervous system are developing and growing at the most rapid rate. You’ll want to be especially careful to protect her during these weeks. But while it’s important to be prudent, there’s no need to panic. “Don’t worry,” says Dr. Davis. “Babies have a way of getting what they need.” Her top recommendations? “Make sure you sleep in the dark. That will let your body make sufficient amounts of melatonin, which helps fight radiation. Eat your broccoli. The general emphasis on nutrition is wonderful. That, and practice safe phones.”