Is it safe to use a microwave while pregnant?

Question

I read that you are not supposed to be around microwaves while pregnant, but I don't know if they mean not to be around them while they are on, or not to eat food that has been cooked in one, or both. I don't really use one at home, but I to at work every day. Does anyone know? Thanks

Answer 1

PERFECTLY SAFE ! Microwaves are sheilded and the amount that leakes in miniscule.
So uless you use an ancient rusty microwave, you're fine.

This obviously assumes you have't donw something to let it run with door open.
Also don't actually SIT ON it while it runs . . . but that's kinda obvious.

Basically, don't worry about it.

Answer 2

Devoloping cells are the most damaged by radiation. I used to be a radiation supervisor and was told never to allow pregnant women near sources, but they could still be in controlled areas of <2mrem/hr which i believe is more radiation that being a couple feet from a microwave and they could be in it all day.

Anyhow, the 3 rules of radiation are time, distance, shielding.

Minimise time by turining the microwave on and walking away unstead of standing there looking at it.

Maximise distance. If you are one foot from the microwave, just stepping back 5 more feet will reduce the radiation you receive by a factor of 25.

Taking these very simple percautions will greatly reduce the risk to your child.

Part Two:

Once you turn the microwave off, all of the radiation is pretty much instantly gone. The food is perfectly safe.

Answer 3

They are safe unless the seal has been damaged...in that case you can still use them to heat up your food just don't stand near it. Microwaves are more along the line of radio waves so all the stories about microwaves causing harm are just that...stories. These stories come out all the time with "new" technology...like computer radiation and stuff like that. You'd pretty much have to use the microwave for like 5 years 24 hours a day for it to do any real damage.

Answer 4

Im positive that the microwaved food is totally ok....theres no big deal with it. However, I know that standing next to the microwave isn't the best idea because radiation is involved. So yea you can eat the food but dont stand next to the microwave....:) have a great and happy pregnancy.

Answer 5

The amount of radiation that comes out of a good microwave is almost nonexistent. It's perfectly safe, but if you would like to play it a little safer, then don't stand around one while it's on,... and try to microwave stuff in paper or glass containers instead of plastic.

Answer 6

They mean dont eat microwave food or be around it because of the radiation. But nothing will happen if you are around it or eat the food..(its proving). Long as you dont do metal detectors or anything else that has radiation involved, you will be fine. Take prenatals daily and your baby will be a bundle of joy!!! good luck! and COngrats!

Answer 7

I have read that microwaves are safe but that you shouldn't stand in front of , or near them, while they are running. There hasn't been any proof that this harms the baby but it's more of a precaution.

Good luck!

Answer 8

its not only safe to be around them, it's almost vital!!!! you need to eat but you get soooo tired that you can't cook.....so toss something quick and easy in the microwave and enjoy.

Answer 9

Certainly. Microwave ovens are well protected against radiation, and if there were any leakage, it would warm up you, not the baby.

Answer 10

lol... you can use a microwave. They say you are just not suppose to stand directly in front of it while it's on.