Maternal Cell Phone Use During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Duration And Fetal Growth In Four Birth Cohorts

Authors: Tsarna E, Reedijk M, Birks LE, Guxens M, Ballester F, Ha M, Jiménez-Zabala A, Kheifets L, Lertxundi A, Lim HR, Olsen J, Safont LG, Sudan M, Cardis E, Vrijheid M, Vrijkotte T, Huss A, Vermeulen R

Year: 2019 Apr 17

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Am J Epidemiol

DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz092

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30995291

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the potential effects of prenatal exposure to radiofrequency fields from cell phone use on pregnancy outcomes, exploring correlations with pregnancy duration and fetal growth.

Findings

Using data from 55,507 participants across Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, and Korea, maternal cell phone use was analyzed. Exposure was categorized by daily call volume:

  • None
  • Low (reference level)
  • Intermediate
  • High

Key findings included:

  • Increased risk of giving birth at a lower gestational age in the intermediate exposure group (Hazard Ratio=1.04, 95%CI 1.01, 1.07).
  • Exposure-response relationships indicated strong links with shorter pregnancy durations (P<0.001) and increased preterm birth rates (P=0.003).
  • No significant association was found with fetal growth or birth weight.

Conclusion

Maternal cell phone use during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk for shorter pregnancy duration and preterm births, although findings should be approached with caution due to potential underlying factors such as stress or other residual confounders rather than direct exposure impacts.

Maternal health Cell phone use Pregnancy Preterm birth Fetal growth Radiofrequency fields
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