Abstract

Overview of the Study

This comprehensive review explores the potential link between magnetic field exposure from cell phones during pregnancy and various fetal outcomes.

Background

Low birth weight is a crucial health indicator used globally to evaluate the quality of pregnancy care. This study focuses on the effects of cell phone usage during pregnancy on fetal development and preterm labor.

Materials and Methods

• Screening of relevant articles through databases such as Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Medline.
• Analysis of maternal exposure to magnetic fields in relation to fetal growth, birth weight, SGA, and preterm labor.

Findings

The study summarizes findings from several individual studies:

• Increased preterm labor risk and lower pregnancy duration associated with cell phone use more than one hour per day.
• Excessive cell phone use correlated with reduced birth weight.
• No significant impact from low, medium, or high cell phone exposure on low birth weight, preterm birth, and SGA when exposure occurred six months before conception.
• A negative relationship between exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy and birth week, birth weight, and length.
• Dental radiography during pregnancy linked to low birth weight specifically with term low birth weight.

Conclusion

The review suggests mixed results regarding the impact of cell phone exposure on fetal outcomes during pregnancy. These findings highlight the need for caution due to factors such as small sample sizes and recall bias.