It may not be possible to avoid using electronics and artificial lighting completely, but pregnant women can take certain precautions to reduce their exposure to blue light.
Although
being pregnant is a wonderful and life-changing experience for women, it also
heightens awareness of one's duty to the health and well-being of both the
mother and the developing baby. In today's digital era, electronic devices and
artificial lighting have become integral to our lives, exposing us to
artificial lighting and the potential hazards of blue light. However, the
potential impact of blue light emitted by these sources on pregnancy and
maternal health remains a growing concern. As a result of the widespread usage
of smartphones, tablets and energy-efficient lighting, expecting mothers are
becoming more and more exposed to blue light, so it is imperative that this
problem be addressed.
Here's a
look at how to raise awareness and provide insights for promoting healthier
habits among expectant mothers:
Implications for Fetal Development:
Excessive exposure
to blue
light during pregnancy has raised concerns about its potential
implications for fetal development. It is believed that prolonged exposure to
electronic devices and artificial lighting emitting blue light can disrupt the
normal development of the fetal retina and impact visual function. Thus, it is
recommended for expectant mothers to limit unnecessary exposure to such
sources, particularly during late-night hours. Furthermore, taking proactive
measures to minimize blue light exposure can contribute to promoting holistic
maternal health and supporting optimal conditions for fetal development.
Disrupting Circadian Rhythms:
Blue light's
tendency to interfere with the body's regular circadian cycles during pregnancy
is one of its main effects. Melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep-wake
cycles, can be suppressed by exposure to blue light at night. Thus, sleep
difficulties and irregular sleep patterns during pregnancy can have a negative
impact on a woman's health, increasing stress levels, causing mood disorders, and
increasing the risk of pregnancy complications.
Blue light melatonin:
The effects
of blue light, specifically how it affects melatonin production, have a
significant impact on pregnant women's health. Exposure to blue light
suppresses melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep-wake cycles, which disturbs
circadian rhythms. Pregnant women with sleep issues or irregular sleep patterns
may experience higher
stress levels, mood disorders, and other problems. Thus, to combat
these threats and prioritize healthy sleep habits during their pregnancy,
pregnant women must understand the relationship between blue light and
melatonin.
Minimizing Blue Light Exposure:
Even though
it can be difficult to avoid using electronics and artificial lighting,
particularly 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 applications that reduce the amount of blue light emitted
by electronic devices. These filters can be beneficial at night and in the
evening.
Adjust device settings:
The majority
of electronic
devices allow you to change the display settings to cut back on blue
light. You can use the "Night Shift" or "Night Mode"
feature on your devices to minimize blue light automatically in the evening.
Limit screen time before bed:
It is
essential to give yourself at least an hour before sleep to avoid using
electronic devices like smartphones and tablets. To sleep better, engage in
relaxing activities like reading a book or doing light stretches.
Opt for warm lighting:
Switch
out cold, harsh light bulbs in your living areas with softer, warmer ones. Warm
lighting can produce a more calming atmosphere for better sleep and is less
likely to emit excessive levels of blue light.
Blue Light Awareness: Safeguarding
Maternal Health during Pregnancy!
Understanding
the impact of blue light on maternal health is critical as expectant moms
attempt to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women can safeguard their
sleep patterns, lower the risk of complications, and improve the overall
well-being of both themselves and their developing baby by using easy
techniques to avoid blue light exposure from electronic devices and artificial
lighting. Prioritizing a healthy balance of technology use and self-care can go
a long way towards having a smooth and fulfilling pregnancy journey.
The article is contributed by Dr. Tejeswini K K, Sr. Consultant- Obstetrics & Gynecologists', Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital, JP Nagar, Bangalore.
