We cannot imagine a life without our mobile phones. Did you know that using mobile phones during pregnancy can have unpleasant effects on your unborn child? So should you not use mobile phone at all if you are pregnant? We cannot say that for certain because many researches show that there is certainly no major risk to your health if using a mobile phone, but to be cautious and keep a tab on your mobile phone usage while you are pregnant.

What does scientific research say?

Previous researchers have found a connection between mobile phone usage and babies exposed to mobile phone radiation while in the womb. A study found that people who tend to use mobile phone very often during pregnancy are at a risk of having babies who are hyperactive and later as they age they have difficulties with emotions and relationships. There have also been many studies that have found no links towards mobile phones and a child’s behaviour. Read: Is It Safe To Get Waxed During Pregnancy? Mobile phones emit a very low level of electromagnetic radiation as compared to computers, wireless networks, microwave or television. The waves emitted by mobile phones are called non-ionising electromagnetic radiation. These are mild radioactive waves and many scientists believe that they won’t hurt the unborn baby. There have also been many studies related to the effect of radiation from electronic devices that might be the cause of harm during pregnancy. The Yale school of Medicine found out that pregnant women who use a lot of mobile phone during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to children with behavioural problems. It is the radiation from your phone that impacts fetal brain development which is the main cause for hyperactive behaviour.

What to worry about?

We are surrounded by wireless devices everywhere in today’s world. Be it a mobile phone or a tablet or a laptop or even smart televisions- these electronic devices emit and receive electromagnetic radio waves to communicate. Now it is these waves that enter our bodies. No matter how tiny they are, frequent use of them makes us susceptible. So when the body is exposed to a higher level or extent of these waves, they can cause damage to DNA and even change the molecular levels of cells in the body. You must have noticed how pregnant women are not allowed to go inside X-ray rooms. Thus Doctors advice pregnant women to avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation. So there is also a direct correlation between your mobile phone and the signal that your carrier provides. Usually the amount of energy emitted by your phone depends on how strong the signal is. When there is a strong signal, the phone uses less power, thus reducing the radiation effect but not completely removing it. The phone needs to work a lot less if the signal is more powerful. So using your mobile phone when you have a strong signal is a very effective way to reduce the radiation exposure.

Read: Is it safe to make love during pregnancy?

What can overuse of mobile phones do during a pregnancy?

Cell phone usage has increased over the years. People do not go anywhere without their mobiles and are seen hanging out with their mobiles everywhere. This increase in usage increases the radiation as well and pregnant women need to keep a check on their mobile usage. During pregnancy overuse of mobile phones can:

• Can affect the DNA and cells of the foetus
• Can affect the physiological/ neurological development of the child
• There is still no evidence to suggest but some researchers believe that increased exposure to radiation can be the cause of many unexplained miscarriages too

The WHO states that women should be careful in using mobile phone during pregnancy. Also Read: Is it safe to eat flaxseeds during pregnancy? Benefits and Side effects

Some precautions:

Whether the studies are a hundred percent true or researchers are still researching about the adverse effects of mobile phone on pregnancy; a pregnant woman should always be careful and take extra precautions when using a mobile phone.

• When not in use, keep your mobile phone away from you, maybe a few feet away or on the table but do not keep it close to you while sleeping. Never keep your mobile phone under your pillow while sleeping.
• Instead of talking on the phone, opt for texting. While sending a text message, keep your device as far as possible from you.
• Use a cordless or a landline phone whenever possible.
• Make calls in areas which have high network coverage rather than the low network areas
• Use more speakers or hands free set
• Reduce your screen time because particularly during pregnancy you need a good night’s rest and proper sleep.

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