Abstract

Overview of Study on Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and Pregnancy Outcomes

Background: The impact of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on pregnancy outcomes remains unclear, prompting further research.

Study Objective

To examine the relationship between maternal exposure to ELF-EMF during pregnancy and the occurrence of prematurity and being small for gestational age (SGA) using data from two French birth cohorts.

Methods Employed

• Cohorts Used: Analysis involved the Elfe and Epipage2, both population-based birth cohorts from France, initiated in 2011.
• Participants: Included 18,329 and 8,400 births from Elfe and Epipage2 respectively, focusing on single, live births in mainland France.
• Data Sources: Health outcomes and demographics obtained from medical records and questionnaires.
• Exposure Assessment: Cumulative ELF-EMF exposure assessed during different pregnancy periods using a job exposure matrix.
• Statistical Analysis: Adjusted logistic regression models.

Findings

Exposure levels varied and results showed mixed findings. Increased risks of prematurity were noted among less exposed mothers across different time frames; however, no clear pattern was observed with higher exposure levels. The association between ELF-EMF exposure and SGA was negligible, except in few instances, indicating a complex interaction that does not straightforwardly suggest ELF-EMF as a direct cause.

Conclusion

The study indicates potential associations between ELF-EMF exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as prematurity and SGA, although the results are heterogeneous and do not conclusively establish a causative relation due to variable exposure levels.