Laptops not for laps while preg?

[SamuraiMom]

I haven't been able to find any info to support my theory/paranoia, but I am just wondering if maybe I should keep my laptop away from my uterus...anyone know something I should know?

Samantha

[isra1986]

Wow, I never thought about the effects of my laptop! If I find anything to support your theory I will give a link. I am writing this from my laptop right now, but until I am sure I think I will switch to the desktop.

[camille76]

I actually asked my doctor during my second pg and he said it was fine.

[snozzberry]

As with a regular computer, there is some level of electromagnetic radiation given off by a laptop. It's less than with a regular computer, but it's still there. If you can use an external keyboard with your laptop, that'll put you back a little bit and greatly decrease the EMFs you come in contact with.

As with all things like this, using a laptop on your lap doesn't guarantee anything will happen. But by exposing yourself to something that is known to be possibly harmful to some people, it does increase the possibility.

I'm sure you'll get lots of people who post here and say "I used my laptop on my lap, and my baby was fine." Likewise, everyone with a source of lead in their home doesn't end up with lead poisoning, either. But it does increase risk.

So if you can adjust your setup--at least by moving the laptop to a table or desk--it can't hurt, and it will decrease the EMFs you come in contact with.

[joshs_girl]

Let me state that I have no official scientific evidence for this .... but I would also think that the heat of the laptop wouldn't be good for your body. If we aren't supposed to take hot baths, holding a hot laptop can't be beneficial for us.

I just get around this by putting a pillow in my lap

[eilonwy]

The "no hot baths" thing is a bit alarmist-- between days 7 and 15 after conception, there is a documented issue with high body temperatures (over 102 degrees). The thing is, most people don't stay in a bathtub until their body temperature is that high-- they get uncomfortable. I'm a rare exception-- I'm uncomfortable in a bath that isn't VERY hot... except for when I"m pregnant.

If you start to sweat, or you start to feel uncomfortable, get out, especially if you're in the first trimester. Otherwise, soak away.

As to the heat of the laptop... don't you use something to diffuse that?

I'm not terribly concerned about mine; There's a thick layer of fat between my laptop and my baby.

[camille76]

Originally Posted by snozzberry

Likewise, everyone with a source of lead in their home doesn't end up with lead poisoning, either.

It's probably pretty much guaranteed that everyone has lead in their home. I was shocked to see that my new headset for my cell phone had lead. They are starting to put warning labels on earbuds, etc saying "WARNING: This product contains lead. Wash hands after using." Can you BELIEVE IT!! So apparently, most cords have lead. The lead is what makes it bendable.

[eilonwy]

Originally Posted by camille76

It's probably pretty much guaranteed that everyone has lead in their home. I was shocked to see that my new headset for my cell phone had lead. They are starting to put warning labels on earbuds, etc saying "WARNING: This product contains lead. Wash hands after using." Can you BELIEVE IT!! So apparently, most cords have lead. The lead is what makes it bendable.

Not everyone has lead in their home. If your home was built or *entirely* remodeled after the late 70s (i want to say 77, but i'm not sure) you shouldn't have any.

Most cords do not have lead, however it is a common ingredient. There are plenty of lead-free options available.

[camille76]

Originally Posted by eilonwy

Most cords do not have lead, however it is a common ingredient. There are plenty of lead-free options available.

I don't know about that. Read this quote from Bissell, a popular vacuum manufacturer:

"Trace amounts of lead are used in the manufacturing process of PVC coated appliance power cords. However, these trace amounts are well below any recognized threshold level which raises concern.

BISSELL Homecare, Inc., as well as approximately 100 other consumer appliance manufacturers, has agreed to include a specific warning in product literature shipped with products containing PVC coated power cords in response to California Proposition 65 requirements. The warning states; "WARNING - the cords, wires and/or cables supplied with this product contains chemicals, including lead or lead compounds, known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, wash hands after using." This, or similar language, was scheduled to appear in their product literature effective September 3, 2003." link to site

Other links... PC Game Controller containing lead link

A link to an article about a pg woman who thinks she lost her baby at 5month pg due to lead in a Pottery Barn telephone link

Just do a search for "cords contain lead" and you will see it is in many MANY products and is very common. They say it is not enough to harm someone, but it still makes me wonder, especially since it is commonly used.

My particlar earbud/headset for my cell phone is safe *i think* (i hope!) because it is covered with a thread-type material. It's not that rubbery type cord you usually see.

[camille76]

Originally Posted by joshs_girl

I just get around this by putting a pillow in my lap

A pillow might not be a good idea... it probably blocks the areas where the laptop cools off. I know the goal is to save the baby, but you don't want to overheat your laptop either! how about putting a hardcover book on top of the pillow to make sure you are allowing it to ventilate still. The fan is trying to cool the laptop and can't if there's a pillow suffocating the vents. (ahem, something I didn't know until my husband pointed it out to me!)

Those those nifty TV trays (link) are pretty neat, unless of course you're in bed w/ your laptop.

[JustKiya]

Apple has a WONDERFUL device called an iLap (what is it with Apple and the 'i'??? ) that works wonderfully - it's a slanted metal base, with soft cushions on the front and back so it sits on your lap comfortably, it's tilted for better posture, and it allows the laptop to stay perfectly cool.

I know it's not my DDC (: I was hoping it would be though!) but I had to chime in, being the laptop lover that I am.

[SamuraiMom]

Originally Posted by earthymama2b

Apple has a WONDERFUL device called an iLap (what is it with Apple and the 'i'??? ) that works wonderfully - it's a slanted metal base, with soft cushions on the front and back so it sits on your lap comfortably, it's tilted for better posture, and it allows the laptop to stay perfectly cool.

I know it's not my DDC (: I was hoping it would be though!) but I had to chime in, being the laptop lover that I am.

thank you earthymama, that's an excellent idea, I am just wondering if I'll have to sell my laptop to get one!

OK, I just checked it out about 50 for a 15 inch and 70 for a 17.

[hibiscusgirl]

I'd be more concerned about the heat that laptop batteries give off rather than radiation. similar to hot tubs or hot baths, laptop batteries can get very hot. I haven't heard anything about radiation....

[widdlelou]

I remember first seeing the thing about cords and lead when I was pregnant with my DD at Christmas and happend upon a warning on some brand new lights we got, then DH wouldn't let me do anything without stupid laytex gloves on like a freak show and I hate laytex gloves!

[LawrenceDoula]

Yes, I noticed the light bulbs warning too. They always left a creepy weird residue on my hands and I wondered why. I just made a point to wash my hands RIGHT after handling them.

I recently read an article on BBC saying that laptops are not recommended for children, so I guess that means there is some concern there. That's about all I know!