Why is not the Aria 2 recommended for pregnant women?

[estefaniadk]

We do not recommend using Aria 2 while pregnant. Ok. But why?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[SteveH]

There's a post from one of the moderators in the following thread that makes some comments on this, although it's probably not the full answer you are looking for:

https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Aria/Is-it-safe-to-use-the-Aria-in-pregnancy/td-p/691641

[JuanJoFitbit]

@estefaniadk I'm sorry for the late response. However it's great to see you in our Fitbit forums! The information that shared my friend @SteveH is totally correct. I also recommend contacting your doctor before using it.

Don't hesitate to get back if you have additional questions! 

[Amanda378]

I can't access this link

[SteveH]

I think that must have been an old post that since been archived. 

I can find a few places where fitbit say that the scales should not be used if you are pregnant but I'm afraid I can't find anything from them that explains why.

[Mom8]

The Aria instructions say that no one under 13 should use it as it uses mild electric currents to determine your body fat percentage.  I would think that is why it is not recommended for pregnant women.

[JuanJoFitbit]

@Mom8 welcome to our Fitbit forums! That is totally correct. Bio-impedance is used within the Aria scales and this is why they're not recommended to be used by pregnant women.

As a side note, I'd like to invite you to visit our Discussions board where you can share your experiences, meet people and create new topics.

Hope to see you in our Fitbit Community more often! 😀

[Elliez21]

Okay so I kept using it while I’m pregnant, didn’t know it’s not recommended and now I’m 29 weeks pregnant already. I’m start to feeling scared, is it going to harm me or my baby? Is this something I should discuss with my OB? 

[LZeeW]

@Elliez21   I have a background in physiology, so I did a little searching in the medical literature about bioimpedance measurement and pregnancy.  I want to reassure you by saying that bioimpedance measurement in pregnancy is mentioned in many research studies.  That said, I believe Fitbit's recommendation is based on a reasonable abundance of caution.  I think you should have a discussion with your OB, but I don't think you should be losing sleep over the measurements you have already taken.

[SarahTrig]

Exercise physiologist here_

I would also add, if a device is not calibrated for various stages of pregnancy, you will not have valid readings for your body.  Fluid retention changes drastically between weeks and trimesters.  BIA analysis is derived from data of non-pregnant cohorts and their fluid, muscle and adipose composition. Caliper testing may be useful (skin pinch), is completely non-invasive. If you are interested in tracking subcutaneous fat changes, you may connect with a personal trainer or physical therapist who provides caliper testing.   

[LalaMueller]

Why can't I go to the link??

I'm just needing to know, if I wear socks, does it block the signal? I know if I have socks on it will only give me my weight and will not give me my body fat percent or my BMI. So I figured this means the socks blocks the signal. Therefore, wouldn't it then be ok to use while pregnant?