PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Experts emphasised that increased screen time among pregnant women can have significant physical and mental impacts. They pointed out that it is not just children who are affected, as pregnant women’s screen time has surged as well. This increase in screen use has led to decreased physical activity, which can later result in various complications.
Gynaecologist Dr Sujata Sanjay voiced her concerns about the rising screen time among pregnant women. She said that rather than engaging in exercise to maintain their health, many pregnant women are choosing to spend more time on mobile phones and in front of the television. This increased screen time affects three key areas for expectant mothers. It can impair their vision, it also leads to the spread of misinformation on social media about pregnancy and thirdly, it results in reduction in physical activity, which is crucial during this time. Less physical activity may contribute to weight gain, raising the risk of diabetes, hypertension and other issues during pregnancy. She further said that additionally, insufficient physical activity can make it more challenging for women to endure pain during natural delivery.
This often leads to a higher likelihood of opting for a C-section. Excessive screen time, reduced physical activity and subsequent complications during pregnancy can also negatively affect the infant’s development in the womb, she said. To prevent such issues, she recommended engaging in walking and physical activities as much as possible until a doctor advises bed rest. Pregnant women should minimise screen time and avoid gathering misinformation online, as each pregnancy is unique. She also suggested practicing yoga and meditation to promote overall well-being during pregnancy.
Apart from this, increased screen time can also impact pregnant women mentally. Clinical psychologist Partibha Sharma highlighted that reduced physical activity due to excessive screen use can lead to mental health challenges. She reported observing numerous cases of emotional stress among pregnant women, including symptoms related to heightened anxiety. Increased screen time can lead to sleep disturbances and emotional issues, which may affect the growth of the infant. Additionally, scrolling through phones for pregnancy-related information can induce fear and phobias. Therefore, pregnant women are encouraged to limit their screen time, create a healthy routine that includes walking and a nutritious diet, she added.
