Staying Healthy Is Microwave Oven Use Safe for Pregnant Women? By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH twitter linkedin Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. Learn about our editorial process Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD on August 05, 2016 facebook linkedin Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, resident instructor at Northwell Health, and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Review Board Anita Sadaty, MD Updated on September 17, 2020 Print Eric Audras/ONOKY/Getty Images Despite a decline in popularity in recent years, the vast majority of homes in the United States still have a microwave oven, which also extends to schools and the workplace. It's not uncommon for most people to use a microwave every day, or at least walk past a microwave in use on a regular basis. But is this a problem if you are pregnant? Microwaves work by using electromagnetic radiation to raise the temperature of water molecules in food, which generates electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Other sources of EMFs include cell phones and other electronics. There has been concern and debate over EMF exposure during pregnancy, and that EMFs may cause low birth weight or birth defects. However, there is simply not enough research on humans that has shown a direct connection between microwave EMFs and birth abnormalities. While one study in 2016 observed that significant and prolonged exposure to EMFs could pose a risk of miscarriage during pregnancy, the researchers concluded that further study on larger samples was still needed. Safely Using a Microwave in Pregnancy To ensure your safety when using a microwave when pregnant or not, be sure that your microwave does not leak. Most recently made microwaves will not work if the seal on the door is broken, so newer microwaves tend to be safer. Some experts suggest that if you are concerned, simply put your food in the microwave and walk away while it's cooking to avoid the potential exposure to EMFs. However, most experts will tell you that it is safe to use the microwave during all three trimesters of pregnancy. If you are concerned about your microwave:If your microwave is older, consider replacing it with a newer model.Step several feet away from the microwave while it is in use. The EMF will drop off steeply with distance. Microwave Food Safety Use proper food safety rules when cooking and heating with the microwave. Some plastics can melt or warp in the microwave, this can cause chemicals to leach into your food. You should always use the microwave with approved food containers, like glass and specific plastics to avoid this risk. What you are really the most at risk for is burning yourself from food or water heated in the microwave. Microwaves can make food temperatures really hot and they are known for uneven heating. Be sure that whatever you are making in the microwave is cooked long enough to be warmed appropriately, but not overdone. Once cooked, allow it to cool sufficiently. When appropriate, stir the food to make sure the temperature is even. Consider using oven mitts to remove bowls and dishes from the microwave to avoid burns. When lifting lids, do so away from your body to prevent steam burns from the released steam. These may all sound like common sense, but it's easy to take microwave food safety for granted. A Word From Verywell When in doubt, remember that you can also go the slightly slower and more traditional route of using the oven or stovetop to cook your food. Be sure that you follow food safety rules to prevent food poisoning and burns. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Ferdman RA. QUARTZ. The slow death of the microwave. March 19, 2014. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microwave Oven Radiation. Updated December 12, 2017. Sadeghi T, Ahmadi A, Javadian M, et al. Preterm birth among women living within 600 meters of high voltage overhead Power Lines: a case-control study. Rom J Intern Med. 2017;55(3):145-150. doi:10.1515/rjim-2017-0017 Abad M, Malekafzali H, Simbar M, Seyed mosaavi H, Merghati khoei E. Association between electromagnetic field exposure and abortion in pregnant women living in Tehran. Int J Reprod Biomed (Yazd). 2016;14(5):347-54. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microwave Oven - Checking Ovens for Leakage and Other Radiation Safety Problems. Updated December 12, 2017. Rady Children's Hospital San Diego. Can Pregnant Women Use Microwaves?. October 2012. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nonionizing Radiation. Updated April 20, 2017. World Health Organization. What are electromagnetic fields?. Harvard Health Publishing. Is plastic a threat to your health?. December 2019.