I recently found out that I am pregnant. I am 42 years old and this is my fourth pregnancy (three of them miscarried). I am about eight weeks along now and so far so good. I love to use my computer but was wondering if my computer puts out any kind of rays. Should I limit my time in front of it or cut it out altogether?

--Sara

There is no evidence that exposure to the low-level electromagnetic fields produced by computer monitors causes an increase in miscarriage or in adverse pregnancy outcome in general. Most of the electromagnetic field from a computer monitor is emitted from the back of the monitor anyway. Modern computer monitors actually produce less of a magnetic field than do copiers or most household appliances! In fact, the use of an electric blanket around the time of conception is considered more dangerous, as it is associated with a slightly increased risk of miscarriage.

There is no reason for you to avoid your computer. You should, however, not sit in front of it (or the TV, or anything) for extended periods of time -- it is important to get up and stretch or walk around frequently, pregnant or not!