What is the effect of blue light from electronic devices on pregnancy?

Posted by Enas Al-Banna

Monday, July 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Although pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing experience for a woman, it also raises awareness of one’s duty to the health and well-being of the mother and developing child. In today’s digital age, electronic devices and artificial lights have become a part of our lives, exposing the dangers of artificial lights and blue light. However, the potential impact of blue light emitted from these sources on pregnancy and maternal health is a growing concern. As a result of the widespread use of smartphones, tablets and energy-efficient lighting, pregnant mothers are increasingly exposed to blue light, so it is important to address this issue..

Here’s how to create awareness and provide insights to promote healthy habits among people. Expectant mothers According to the site ” webmd“:

Implications for fetal development

Excessive exposure to blue light during pregnancy raises concerns about its potential effects on fetal development. Prolonged exposure to electronic devices and artificial lighting that emits blue light is believed to disrupt the normal development of the retina and affect visual function.

Therefore, it is recommended that expectant mothers limit unnecessary exposure, especially at night. Also, taking proactive steps to reduce exposure to blue light will contribute to improving overall maternal health and supporting optimal conditions for fetal development..

Disrupts circadian rhythms

One of its main effects is the tendency of blue light to interfere with the body’s regular daily cycle during pregnancy. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, can be suppressed by exposure to blue light at night. Thus, difficulty sleeping and irregular sleep patterns during pregnancy can have a negative impact on a woman’s health, increasing stress, mood disturbances and the risk of pregnancy complications..

Melatonin is blue light

The effects of blue light, particularly how it affects melatonin production, have a significant impact on a pregnant woman’s health. Exposure to blue light suppresses the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, disrupting circadian rhythms.

Pregnant women with trouble sleeping or irregular sleep patterns can experience high levels of stress, mood disorders, and other problems. Therefore, to combat these threats and prioritize healthy sleep habits during pregnancy, pregnant women should understand the relationship between blue light and melatonin..

Reduce exposure to blue light

Although it is difficult to avoid using electronics and artificial lighting, especially in today’s technology-driven environment, pregnant women can take the following precautions to reduce their exposure to blue light::

Use blue light filters

Install blue light filters or use apps that reduce the amount of blue light emitted by electronic devices. These filters are useful at night and evening.

Adjust device settings

Most electronic devices allow you to change the display settings to reduce blue light.

Limit screen time before bed

It is important that you set aside an hour before bed to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. To sleep better, engage in relaxing activities such as reading a book or light stretching.

Choose warm lights

Replace harsh, cold lighting in your living areas with soft, warm lighting. Warm lights can create a calming environment for better sleep and are less likely to emit excessive blue light..

Blue light sensitivity: Protecting maternal health during pregnancy

As expectant mothers strive to maintain a healthy pregnancy, understanding the effect of blue light on maternal health is critical. By using simple techniques to avoid exposure to blue light from electronic devices and artificial lighting, a pregnant woman can protect her sleep patterns, reduce the risk of complications, and improve the overall well-being of herself and her growing baby..