Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
One particular claim circulating on social media relates to laptops potentially causing miscarriages later in the lives of pre-teen and teen girls. After fact-checking, we found no scientific evidence supporting the notion that miscarriages can be caused solely by using laptops. Therefore, we deem this claim false.
The Claim
A social media post on X claimed that Laptop use by pre-teen and teen girls causes miscarriages later in life. It has been titled as, “This is why you should Not put your laptop on the lap.” The video says, “The worst place to put your laptop is where? Your lap! There’s about 8,000 studies to show that young girls having the laptop on their lap between the age of say 10 to 15. Let’s fast forward to when they’re in their 30s having a baby 47% miscarriage.”
Fact Check
Every new invention in the history of humankind has faced resistance, criticism, and conspiracy theories upon its launch. Electronic gadgets and technology have been the latest targets of this ongoing scrutiny.
What are the potential causes of miscarriage?
Miscarriages, or the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, can occur due to various reasons. Common causes include drug or alcohol use, blood clotting disorders, exposure to environmental toxins, hormone imbalances, infections, obesity, physical abnormalities in the mother’s reproductive organs, immune system irregularities, and serious systemic diseases like uncontrolled diabetes. Additionally, smoking during pregnancy heightens the risk. Nearly half of all fertilised eggs are spontaneously lost before the woman knows she is pregnant, and among recognized pregnancies, 10% to 25% end in miscarriage (as of October 2022), primarily within the first 7 weeks. Risk escalates with the mother’s age, particularly after 30 years, peaking after age 40, and among those who have previously experienced a miscarriage.
While early miscarriages often go unnoticed, their prevalence may be significantly higher in low- and middle-income countries. Recent findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), conducted in India between 2019 and 2021, indicate that around 7% of pregnancies result in miscarriages.
Can laptop usage by pre-teen and teen girls really cause miscarriages later in life?
No, this is not true. There is currently no scientific evidence supporting the claim that laptop usage by pre-teen and teen girls can directly cause miscarriages later in life. Miscarriages result from a variety of factors, such as genetic abnormalities, health conditions, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. While prolonged laptop usage may contribute to discomfort or strain, leading a balanced lifestyle with regular breaks and proper ergonomics can help mitigate any potential risks. It’s essential to rely on credible sources and consult healthcare professionals for accurate information regarding pregnancy and reproductive health.
Who is the person in the video?
The woman in the video is Barbara O’Neill. A simple Google search is enough to conclude that she is an infamous healthcare promoter who perpetuates dangerous and unsupported health claims. In 2019, the Health Care Complaints Commission in New South Wales issued a ruling prohibiting her from providing any health-related services. This decision came after receiving multiple complaints from both the public and healthcare professionals. She further mentions in the video that there are over 8000 studies which show laptop usage is responsible for miscarriages in women. But nowhere has she mentioned a single source/evidence of her statement.
Is it safe to use laptops based on scientific evidence?
Yes. According to current scientific findings, using laptops is generally considered safe. Like many other electrical devices, laptops generate electric and magnetic fields, but these are mostly in the extremely low frequency range. The WHO assures that the strength of these fields remains well below international exposure limits. Scientific studies affirm that the low level of exposure to these fields from laptops over the long term is safe for individuals.
The electromagnetic fields emitted from laptops fall under the category of non-ionizing radiation. These are considered non-harmful for humans because they cannot damage our cells. In their 2020 revised guidelines, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) asserted that no harmful impacts of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on fertility, reproduction, or development relevant to human health have been confirmed.
Attaching a screenshot of the published guideline:
What is the impact of laptop usage on fertility?
The external heat generated by laptops presents a minor concern for men’s reproductive health. While it’s unlikely to be the primary cause of fertility issues, men concerned about their sperm count may consider refraining from placing laptops on their laps and using a desk instead. Although a study has indicated that frequent exposure to high temperatures, such as in hot tubs, can decrease sperm viability, laptops generally do not reach such extreme temperatures. Hence the medical fraternity downplays concerns about the heat emitted by laptops.
In contrast, women’s ovaries are situated internally (thus, well protected) and are less sensitive to external heat, alleviating immediate concerns in this regard. Therefore, women may not need to modify their laptop usage habits. For men, using a desk instead of placing laptops on their laps could be a cautious approach, but it is not necessarily required unless specific fertility concerns arise.
Is there a link between laptop usage and women’s reproductive health?
According to Dr Saumya (MBBS, DNB Obstetrics and Gynecology), “No. Sitting on the sofa with your laptop or working with your laptop in bed won’t lead to female infertility or future miscarriages. There’s no scientific evidence to support such a claim. One of the main reasons why laptops don’t pose a significant threat to female fertility is because a woman’s reproductive organs are internal and not directly exposed to the heat generated by the laptop. The heat emitted by laptops is generally minimal in terms of its impact on a woman’s reproductive system.” She further explains, “It’s important to note that even women who frequently use laptops or rest tablets and similar devices on their laps are not at an increased risk of infertility or pregnancy issues in future. So, whether it’s for work or leisure, using your laptop in these ways is unlikely to have any adverse effects on your fertility.”
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