Is it safe to wear a smartwatch while pregnant? Smartwatches are becoming more and more popular, but there is some concern over whether or not it’s safe to wear one while pregnant.
There hasn’t been a lot of research on the safety of smartwatches during pregnancy, so many women are unsure if they should be wearing one or not.
We spoke to a few experts and found that, for the most part, it is safe to wear a smartwatch while pregnant. However, we recommend checking with your doctor before making a decision. In this artical, Edon Lazaj will discuss matters related to this topic.
Is it safe to wear a smartwatch while pregnant?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the jury is still out on the long-term effects of wearable technology, including smartwatches, on pregnant women and their developing babies. While there is no evidence that suggests that wearing a smartwatch during pregnancy is harmful, some experts recommend avoiding them due to the potential risks associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
EMFs are emitted by all electronic devices, including smartwatches, and can potentially disrupt the development of the baby in utero. Some studies have linked EMF exposure to fertility problems, miscarriages, and birth defects, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Benefits of using fitness trackers while pregnant
Monitoring Baby Heart on a continuous basis is possible with a fitness tracker
Fitness trackers for pregnancy can help you monitor your baby’s heart rate, as well as your own fitness level and activity during pregnancy. Fitness trackers are also beneficial in helping you to set and reach fitness goals during pregnancy.
Continuous blood pressure tracking is also an advantage
High blood pressure is a common complication during pregnancy, and it can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Fitness trackers that offer continuous blood pressure monitoring can help pregnant women to keep track of their blood pressure levels and seek medical attention if necessary.
Activity monitoring is another key benefit
Fitness trackers can help pregnant women to monitor their activity levels and ensure that they are getting enough exercise. Exercise is important for a healthy pregnancy, and fitness trackers can help women to stay on track with their fitness goals.
Postpartum Depression is a common problem after childbirth, but it can be avoided
Studies have shown that women who exercise regularly during pregnancy are less likely to experience postpartum depression. Fitness trackers can help women to monitor their activity levels and make sure that they are getting enough exercise to reduce their risk of postpartum depression.
Drawbacks of using a smartwatch during pregnancy
Exposure to Bluetooth and Microwaves might have harmful effects
Smartwatches emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that some experts believe could be harmful to pregnant women and their developing babies. Bluetooth, a wireless technology that is used to connect smartwatches to smartphones, also emits EMFs.
Microwaves are also emitted by smartwatches, and some research has linked exposure to microwaves with negative health effects, including fertility problems, miscarriages, and birth defects.
Privacy concerns might arise
Some smartwatches have features that allow them to track and store personal data, including health data. This raises privacy concerns for some people, as this data could potentially be accessed by employers, insurance companies, or others without the user’s consent.
False sense of security might lead to neglect of prenatal care
Some smartwatches offer features that claim to monitor the health of the pregnant woman and her developing baby. However, these claims have not been proven, and some experts worry that they might give women a false sense of security and lead them to neglect important prenatal care.
Pregnant women should talk to their doctor or midwife before using any type of wearable technology, including smartwatches. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits and make the best decision for you and your baby.
Is there any wearable tech maker offering pregnancy monitoring features?
Fitbit
The Fitbit Charge 3 is a fitness tracker that offers a variety of features, including activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. It also has a feature that allows users to track their weight and BMI.
Garmin
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a GPS smartwatch that offers activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and stress tracking. It also has a pregnancy mode that tracks the user’s weight, BMI, and blood pressure.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 4 is a smartwatch that offers a variety of health and fitness features, including activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and fall detection. It also has an emergency SOS feature that can call for help in an emergency.
SAR Levels Limits During Pregnancy
The specific absorption rate (SAR) is a measure of the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body. The SAR level is the maximum level of RF energy that is allowed to be absorbed by the body.
The SAR level for smartwatches is 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set this limit for all devices that emit RF energy, including smartwatches.
Pregnant women should avoid exposure to RF energy whenever possible. If you must use a device that emits RF energy, like a smartwatch, keep it as far away from your body as possible and limit your exposure time.
Next, we will have a look at 5 gadgets that should be avoided during pregnancy.
5 Gadgets that should be avoided during pregnancy
WiFi Routers
On the use of Wi-Fi technology, the World Health Organisation says, “to reduce exposure to EMF from Wi-Fi devices, keep them turned off when not in use or disconnect them from the power supply.”
Microwaves
As mentioned earlier, microwaves are emitted by smartwatches and some research has linked exposure to microwaves with negative health effects, including fertility problems, miscarriages, and birth defects.
Laptops
Pregnant women should avoid using laptops on their laps. If you must use a laptop, place it on a table or other surface at least 20 inches away from your body.
Bluetooth Headsets
Pregnant women should avoid using Bluetooth headsets, as they emit EMFs. If you must use a Bluetooth headset, keep it as far away from your body as possible and limit your exposure time.
Cell Phones
Pregnant women should avoid using cell phones, as they emit EMFs. If you must use a cell phone, keep it as far away from your body as possible and limit your exposure time.
Cautions you should keep in mind if using gadgets during pegnancy
Even though it is impossible to completely rule out the existence of wireless gadgets, there are a few measures that can be adapted in order to reduce the risks:
- Distance is the key. Maintain a distance of at least 20 inches or 50 cm between your body and the gadgets whenever possible.
- Do not keep gadgets in your pockets or under your pillow while you sleep.
- Reduce the usage time. Do not use them for long hours, especially when you don’t have to.
- Choose wired options over wireless ones as they don’t emit EMF. For instance, choose an Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi for internet access.
- Use earphones or headphones instead of keeping the gadget close to your head while talking on the phone.
Pregnant women should take these precautions to minimize their exposure to EMF from gadgets like smartwatches. However, they should also remember that there is no definitive evidence that proves that EMF is harmful to pregnant women or their babies. Therefore, they should use their own judgement and consult with their doctor if they have any concerns.
F.A.Q is it safe to wear a smartwatch while pregnant
Is it safe to wear smart watch during pregnancy?
The actual use of a smart wristband during pregnancy was found to be good. It is not a health hazard during pregnancy. You can use it with no problem.
Is it safe to wear an Apple Watch while pregnant?
Yes, the Apple Watch is safe to use during pregnancy. However, you should consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Can I wear my Fitbit when pregnant?
It is possible to wear your Fitbit while pregnant. However, you should consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Which smartwatch is best for pregnancy?
There are some brands that have smartwatches that are specially designed for pregnancy. However, any type of smartwatch is safe to use during pregnancy. You should consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Conclusion
So, is it safe to wear a smartwatch while pregnant? The verdict seems to be that, as long as you’re not working with hazardous materials or doing anything risky, wearing a smartwatch during pregnancy is probably just fine. Of course, if you have any concerns, always consult your doctor. We’d love to hear from our readers – have any of you worn a smartwatch while pregnant? What were your experiences? Leave us a comment and let us know!