Does playing mahjong during the second trimester of pregnancy affect the fetus?

Generally speaking, whether playing mahjong during the second trimester of pregnancy affects the fetus depends on the duration and environment of play. If played occasionally for a short period in a well-ventilated and comfortable environment, there is typically no significant impact; however, if played frequently for long durations or in enclosed, noisy environments, it may negatively affect the fetus. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If a pregnant woman only occasionally plays mahjong for 1–2 hours during the second trimester, in a well-ventilated area with a comfortable temperature, free from smoke and noise disturbances, and takes regular breaks to move around, her mood will remain stable and she won't experience excessive fatigue. Under these conditions, the oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus remains unaffected, and there is generally no adverse effect on fetal development.

However, if a woman plays mahjong for extended periods every day during the second trimester, prolonged sitting can impair blood circulation in the lower limbs and reduce placental blood flow, potentially leading to fetal hypoxia. If the environment is poorly ventilated, polluted, or excessively noisy, it may cause the mother stress and anxiety. These negative emotions can be transmitted to the fetus through the maternal system, possibly affecting the development of the fetal nervous system. In such cases, playing mahjong may have detrimental effects on the fetus.

During the second trimester, pregnant women should arrange their activities reasonably, avoiding prolonged sitting or maintaining the same posture for too long. It's advisable to engage in mild physical activities such as walking or prenatal yoga, spend more time outdoors breathing fresh air, maintain a positive mood, and ensure a proper balance between rest and activity.