Laptops on the lap?

mopsie · October 2009

Has anyone been told not to put a laptop on your lap during pregnancy?

DaisyFull · October 2009

No. But I also don't put mine on my uterus, so I'm having trouble making the connection. Have you been told not to?

Also, I imagine after time it won't even be possible.

DaisyFull · October 2009

Balancing a laptop when your lap has lapsed isn't easy ? but it isn't dangerous, either. Though one study did show a link between the heat emitted from a laptop and a decrease in a man's fertility, most experts agree that such low levels of heat don't pose any risk to a developing fetus. Neither is there a radiation risk to your baby from using a computer or a laptop. But, to play it safe, keep the laptop on top of your lap (closer to your knees) and not on your belly (which would be a tough balancing act anyway). After all, it's not called a bellytop. Even better, keep the laptop on a desk or table during your pregnancy ? you'll end up with less back strain and fewer typos too.

Found this. Every other answer was about the same.

mrs.dovey · October 2009

Unless you have a laptop cooler that sits under it I would not recommend it. It is similar to using a heating pad.

cutekissis101 · October 2009

I havent heard that? but i could see why it wouldnt be good. I don't even like to stand to close to the microwave while its going.

SoCaliAli · October 2009

Have you been told that this is a no-no? I don't see how putting your laptop on your legs could cause any problems.

marya220 · October 2009

Hah! funny you should ask that - i'm lying down with the laptop on my legs after a lecture from DH for having it on my tummy

DaisyFull · October 2009

mrs.dovey:
Unless you have a laptop cooler that sits under it I would not recommend it. It is similar to using a heating pad.

Not even close. The heat transmitted from a laptop is no where near that of a heating pad. Unless you're using a laptop from 1980 or something...

mopsie · October 2009

I was more worried about radiation than heat...

KeepingFaith · October 2009

mrs.dovey:
Unless you have a laptop cooler that sits under it I would not recommend it. It is similar to using a heating pad.

I dont agree...a heating pad is directly on your uterus, whereas a laptop is on your lap, closer to you knees

I think your fine using the laptop

juliane2004 · October 2009

I avoided putting it directly on my lap. I have a tray/pillow thingy that my laptop is on, to avoid heat to the stomach area. (same reasoning as not having hot hot showers). Now, though, I cant even fit it on my lap! Its next to me on the couch. :P

eastsidekitty · October 2009

no and I wouldn't even think to worry about it

Starfish113 · October 2009

It's bad because of the flame retardants found on all parts of the computer. They bioaccumulate in your body (just like PCBs, mercury, pesticides, etc). Not something you want yourself or baby exposed to! Try to keep it on a table or a pillow

cutie420311 · October 2009

eastsidekitty:
no and I wouldn't even think to worry about it

This. I mean really? Come on. That and the microwave thing? I mean unless you're using a Radar-range from 1980, you're fine.

mrsjenni · October 2009

I don't know about you, but my MacBook sits on my legs, not my belly.

You can use a laptop, it's fine.

weavjess · October 2009

I've been told to mainly watch the heat output because if they get really hot they can actually burn your skin (my sister had it happen once; it looked like a rash on her thighs). "Lab desks" are nice to have though, then it's off your lap but still in a convenient spot.

LuaBear · October 2009

My doctor said it was fine. I use a little lap pad and it works great.

krstokes · October 2009

I used my laptop on my lap while pg with DD all the time ....it's fine. Opinions always differ so do whatever you think!!

maeghan21 · October 2009

I tried to respond earlier but couldn't. When I use my laptop I have mylegs up on the coffee table and I amleaning so my laptop actuallys does rest on my stomach. It does get warm and I try to just put a pillow in between. I've looked online and talked to my Dr. There are reports about the little swimmers but nothing about pregnancy. I can actually feel little waves of heat etc and my laptop gets hot but there is no real facts for concern. Like Isaid, I try to put something between just b/c it gets annoying after a while anyways and figure it can't hurt.

bakedlaurabean · October 2009

Thanks for asking this! I have been wondering this too b/c my laptop gets SO hot when I've been using it for awhile. Usually I have to move it off me b/c I get hot from having it sit on me and my legs can't take it anymore. I've been wondering b/c I know there's a connection to male fertility, so I thought it may not be good for the baby either. Depending on my position, my laptop may not always be on my lap, so that's why I was concerned too. I've been trying to keep it off me when it starts to get hot, just in case.