Shining a torch on belly...

[Hopehope20]

Hello, I had read a few times in pregnancy apps and pages etc that to stimulate movement try shining a torch on your belly. I tried it last night using my phone light but stopped quickly as it felt weird! Today someone told me I shouldn't have done it as I could blind the baby. Had a quick Google (sigh) and there are some people who agree with this. Now I am back into another panic about having done him some damage. I am seeing my midwife on Monday so will ask her....but surely once the light goes through skin...fat..muscle etc it wouldn't be bright enough to cause any damage?!

Anna x

No, you haven't done any damage.

Shine the torch at your hand, it's not getting translucent. Light doesn't penetrate the human body.

Baby is safe.

I can't see how it could cause any problems. The sun is brighter than a torch, and I've never heard that you shouldn't expose your stomach to sunlight. I expect skin, muscle and fat blocks most of it. I'm sure you're fine!

Baby will be fine. There is absolutely no evidence that the miniscule amounts of light that would reach through that amount of tissue could do anything at all to damage a baby. There's enough to worry about in pregnancy without all the fear mongering.

Thank you everyone for your comments, feeling a bit more rational now. Given that my friend knew I had already done it...and knew I wouldn't do it again...I don't feel like her saying I could have blinded him was very nice or helpful at all. As you say....I have enough to worry about! Thank you x

Oddly this was mentioned in my NCT class about the differences between being born and being in the uterus. As PPs have pointed out due to your skin, fat, muscles, uterus and amniotic fluid any light that does get through isn't bright, so no your baby won't go blind. The same way that your baby will react to certain external noises but due to your body tissues all the sounds are very muted.

Tell any "friend" who sprouts this nonsense that they are talking about defying the laws of physics.

Very comforting- thank you x