Most people are oblivious to the harmful effects of using mobile during pregnancy and how they impact the fetus. Studies have shown that excessive use of mobile phones during pregnancy has been linked to the shorter duration of pregnancy and increased risks of preterm delivery. Furthermore, recent results of studies performed by the Yale school of medicine have revealed that women who have extensive exposure to mobile phone radiations during pregnancy give birth to babies who suffer from behavioral problems later on in their lives. These harmful radiations also impact the fetus’ brain development and induce hyperactivity. Thus, you need to research more on the effect of these radiations on your unborn baby and consult your gynecologist regarding the same. Keep reading this post as we discuss the effects of mobile phones on expecting mothers and the safe duration while using them.
Should You Worry Over Wireless?
In today’s world, you don’t just rely on mobile phones to stay in touch with your near and dear ones, and get any sort of work done. The laptops, tablets, and all other wireless internet connections are pervasive, no matter when and where. All these electronic devices emit and receive electromagnetic radio waves to communicate with one another and the outside world. At least a tiny fraction of these waves end up inside the body. When your body is exposed to a higher extent to these waves, they can cause DNA damage and change the conformation of molecules of the living cells. The after effects whether they remain for long term or not depends on the frequency and strength of the waves. Wireless devices are the only sources where you will expose yourself to the radio waves. And did you know that the sun, X-ray machines, radio, microwave, granite countertop and airplanes all emit radio waves but of varying levels? Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from them. And it is the reason your doctor may advise you to avoid exposure to any unnecessary waves during pregnancy.
What Do Researchers Say About Mobile Phones During Pregnancy?
Since the energy of the waves from the mobile phone lie somewhere in between the X-rays and granite countertop, researchers raise doubts on whether the waves can affect the fetuses. In a growing baby, the cells are fast replicating and vulnerable to outside disturbances. But studies have so far been unable to find anything that causes concerns regarding mobile phone usage. Study One: A team of scientists led by Dr. Hugh S. Taylor at Yale exposed pregnant mice to mobile phones by keeping the phones active. They placed muted phones on active phone calls above the cage for two weeks. There was another control group also with the same conditions, but with a deactivated phone. The baby mice were then tested for their behavior and memory capacity. Mice born to mothers exposed to the mobile phone activity found to have behavioral problems that are characteristic of ADHD in humans. However, research in mice may not always hold true in human beings. And in this case, there is a high possibility since humans may not spend all 24 hours in 7 days over the mobile phone during pregnancy (1). Study Two: Here is another study by scientists in Denmark. They examined the prenatal and postnatal exposure to mobile phones and behavioral problems in children. Mother’s of seven-year olds were given a questionnaire regarding the health and behavior of their children, and the history of past exposure to the phone. After the survey, they found that exposure to mobile phones prenatally and postnatally, to a lesser extent, was associated with hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children (2). The researchers interpreted that these associations may be due to unmeasured confounding and non-causal. Also, in response, the UK National Health Service wrote, “this study cannot prove a proper association between pregnant’s exposure to mobile and behavioral problems.” It is, therefore, important to note that research studies of this kind cannot prove an exact link between mobile usage during pregnancy and developmental disorders in children.
What Are The Impacts Of Overuse Of Mobile Phones During Pregnancy?
The usage of cell phones has increased in the past decade since they are used for more than phone calls. The phones now-a-days are mini computers, music systems, and gaming systems. Thus, the general usage and radiation of portable gadgets has increased.
Although researchers have not yet fully understood the effects of low level radiation on the DNA and cells.
But a correlation exists between the radiation and physiological and/or neurological disorders in a child.
This may not be the definition of a cause and effect relationship; it might be something you want to take care of.
The WHO (World Health Organization) defines such radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by wireless devices (such as mobile phones) as possibly carcinogenic (3). Furthermore, studies have demonstrated an increased miscarriage risk associated with magnetic field exposure (4).
What Is The Outcome?
The above kind of research is inconclusive, and you cannot recommend pregnant women to reduce their exposure to mobile phone usage. The WHO (World Health Organization) also states that “Pregnant women have not raised any health concerns about using the mobile phone.” You need to take extra precautions to ease the worries. Here are a few tips that will keep you and your baby safe:
Keep your mobile phone a few feet away if you are not using it Image: Shutterstock
You can consider using it hands-free, such as on speakerphone mode or with a headset.
Instead of talking, opt for texting, and while sending the text, keep the phone as far away as possible before pressing the send button.
In case the call is urgent, keep it as short as possible.
Whenever possible, use a corded phone.
Make calls in areas with high coverage networks and avoid ones with low reception, where phones emit more radiation because they try harder to connect.
Reducing your screen time is advisable during all stages of life, particularly during pregnancy, where everything that you experience has a direct impact on your baby’s health.
Do not carry mobile in your pocket since it can be close to your belly
Do not keep the mobile under your pillow when sleeping Image: iStock
