Safety of Red Light Therapy in Pregnancy
There is a LOT to this topic and I’ve written extensively on this type of medicine recently.
Years ago Dr Michel Odent and I shared some emails about fascinating research on using blue light on women to reduce preterm labor contractions - read more here about light and melatonin. At the time it seemed a bit ‘Star Trekky’…could a harmless light really stop preterm labor? Can the lighting in your hospital slow your labor? Yes.
Make More Energy to Grow Your Baby and Support Your Health
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and countless changes for expectant moms. While the experience is undeniably exciting and enjoyable for most it also places a significant metabolic strain on a woman's body as it works tirelessly to nurture and sustain new life. When compared with ulta-marathon runners, Tour de France cyclists and other extreme sporting events - pregnant women use more energy every day! No wonder pregnancy can leave us exhausted and depleted in postpartum. Throughout a pregnancy, creating and carrying a baby requires a staggering 49,753 dietary calories - the equivalent of 199 Snickers bars! In new research (May 2024) researchers found that a woman needs about 182.48 extra calories daily throughout pregnancy. Dietitian Natalie Mokari explains that calorie needs increase as pregnancy progresses: approximately 350 extra calories daily in the second trimester and 450 in the third. Breastfeeding adds another 450 to 500 calories per day.
So, how does red light therapy fit into this? Red light therapy supports the metabolic load of pregnancy by enhancing mitochondrial function, which helps your body produce more ATP with less oxygen. Mitochondria takes all of your food and turns it into energy - but ONLY when the mitochondria is working properly. If you’re feeling constantly exhausted your mito probably needs a boost of red light as it’s estimated that most Americans have some level of metabolic dysfunction. Healthy mitochondria boost energy levels, reduces fatigue, and helps your body manage the intense demands of pregnancy and parenting.
Of course, adequate nutrition, stress management, exercise and rest are also important for your mitochondria to work properly.
From the moment conception occurs, a woman's body undergoes incredible physiological adaptations to accommodate your growing baby. Hormonal fluctuations, increased blood volume, and the development of the placenta - (a brand-new organ!) contribute to increased metabolic demand on your body’s resources. This demand can lead to discomfort, fatigue, low mood and other pregnancy-related symptoms especially if you weren’t in peak health before becoming pregnant.
Enter photobiomodulation (PBM/Red Light Therapy) a non-invasive therapy that utilizes low-level light to stimulate healthy cellular activity and promote healing. While its applications are diverse, its potential benefits for expectant mothers are really exciting. It’s possibly the most exciting innovation in health care in decades.
Safety of Light Therapy in Pregnancy
There have been several studies using red light and bright white light in pregnancy - all state it is safe (but not to put lights directly on to the bump). Pharma companies won’t be funding any studies that could impact their sales so as you learn more about red light therapy you’ll see why pharmaceutical companies are worried as more and more robust studies are published regarding the many benefits and lack of harm in other populations. Many of the manufacturers of PBM consumer goods will also cover themselves with verbiage of “not recommended in pregnancy". However, the world expert on PBM research, Michael Hamblin, is of the opinion that light medicine/photoceuticals are not harmful in pregnancy, especially when we’re not lighting up the bump. These are the same wavelengths of light that we would be exposed to if we spent more time outdoors in the early morning and dusk. Don’t forget we’re already using light medicine with newborns for jaundice and you probably had some beautiful LEDs on your Xmas tree!
So, while research on its safety and efficacy during pregnancy continues to evolve initial findings are very promising, and many practitioners consider it a low-risk option for expectant mothers when compared to the very real risks of medication. A recent RCT demonstrated significant improvements in depression during pregnancy when women used different light sources. SAD lights are an evidence based approach to improving mood in postpartum with just 20 minutes of morning exposure.
As with any medical intervention, talk to your healthcare provider about using PBM at home - although it’s unlikely that your provider has in-depth knowledge of photoceuticals. Educate yourself, talk to other women using red light therapy and make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances. Do not use your LED light directly in your eyes and avoid if you are light sensitive or on medications such as antibiotics that cause light sensitivity (these are usually for UV light and not red light).
PBM has been used successfully in fertility treatments for many years in Japan and Europe. I’ve written about the compelling benefits of PBM for anyone with fertility challenges throughout my blog.
Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
One of the primary challenges during pregnancy is managing discomfort and sometimes pain, especially as your body adjusts to the added weight and strain. Photobiomodulation has been shown to effectively relieve musculoskeletal pain by reducing inflammation and improving tissue repair. For pregnant women experiencing back pain, pelvic discomfort, or other common pregnancy complaints, this gentle therapy can offer much-needed relief without the use of medication with just a few minutes each day. I treat expectant moms with significant back pain in pregnancy with two or three sessions with laser (far more powerful than LEDs) leaving them pain free for the rest of their pregnancy. There is also good evidence for safety from studies using laser on women with carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy.
Reducing Pregnancy Complications
Beyond pain management red light therapy also supports overall maternal well-being by enhancing cellular function and optimizing metabolic processes. Studies have demonstrated its ability to improve circulation, boost immune function, and accelerate wound healing, all of which are crucial for supporting both maternal health and fetal development.
Perhaps most importantly, photobiomodulation may help mitigate the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. By promoting vascular health and regulating glucose metabolism, this therapy has the potential to positively influence maternal outcomes and reduce the likelihood of complications that can impact both mom and baby. A study from 2023 demonstrated that more artificial light before bedtime is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes - https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/982136 - learn more here.
What About Safety for Unborn or Preterm Babies?
This is a common concern but even with limited studies we can estimate the level of light reaching baby compared to exposing your bump for 20 minutes. Building on exciting pregnancy research, we’re seeing more and more evidence that laser and LED therapies offer safe, non-invasive relief for kids facing pain, inflammation, wounds, oral mucositis, and more proven in studies from around the world. A groundbreaking Australian pilot study found that premature babies from 27 weeks exposed to daily 670 nm red light had a 100% survival rate, compared to only 89% in babies who did not receive the therapy. While the severity of ROP and need for red light treatment were similar between groups, this surprising difference in survival highlights the potential of red light PBM as a gentle intervention that may save lives among the most vulnerable infants, opening new doors for safer neonatal care. If I had a preterm baby, as a parent I would insist on using red light therapy, especially if my baby was also having blue light therapy for jaundice which is known to create oxidative stress in these vulnerable infants. If my baby was oxygen deprived at birth (hypoxia) - I would also insist on using light treatment on my baby’s brain (over the soft spot) to reduce the harm caused by the lack of oxygen. But I also feel very comfortable with the evidence of lack of harm using red light therapy in the 7000+ studies.
How Much Light is Reaching an Unborn Baby?
Twenty minutes of early morning sunlight on the bump or lower back delivers much more light energy to the skin than any therapeutic red light device, but almost none of that energy reaches baby. The solar irradiance even at sunrise can be around 100 mW/cm², with a mix of visible, UVA, and infrared wavelengths. However, 99.9%+ of this energy is absorbed, scattered or blocked by maternal tissues, with only a tiny fraction of light penetrating deeper. In a Scottish study the more sunlight women were exposed to in the first trimester the less their chances of experiencing preterm birth…light matters….the RIGHT kind of light matters - at the RIGHT time.
The Artificial Light Problem
When I hear people warning moms about using red light therapy in pregnancy I ask them what they know about the known harms of artificial light on fertility, pregnancy and metabolic health. The consistent use of artificial light at night is harmful in pregnancy. I wish more women knew this. Some simple changes to your lightbulbs can significantly reduce or eliminate those risks. Want to reduce your chances of being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes? Start with your home lighting and device use after the sun goes down.
Red Light Time - Time to Meditate
In addition to its physiological benefits, photobiomodulation offers a unique opportunity for pregnant women to prioritize self-care and nurture your well-being amidst the demands of pregnancy. By taking time to relax, rejuvenate, and connect with your body, expectant mothers can cultivate a deeper sense of harmony and empowerment as you prepare for the arrival of their your one. Practice birth basking as you use your light and connect with your body and baby.
Pregnancy places a significant metabolic load on a woman's body but most of us adapt well, but for some, it can also present challenges that impact maternal well-being. Photobiomodulation offers a gentle and non-invasive approach to supporting pregnancy wellness by reducing pain, enhancing cellular function, and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications.
Does light therapy also help with stretch marks, healing after an episiotomy/tear, cesarean wound recovery and mental health? Yes, Yes, Yes!
Ready to light up your pregnancy? Learn how to choose a light source and what to avoid?
How are you lighting up your pregnancy?
Tracy
