The association of widely used electromagnetic waves exposure and pregnancy and birth outcomes in Yazd women: a cohort study

Authors: Razavimoghadam M, Sefidkar R, Ehrampoush MH, Teimouri F, Hassanabadi MHZ, Nokhostin F

Year: 2025 Apr 11

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

Institution: Yazd Mother and Child Cohort Center

DOI: 10.1186/s12884-025-07512-4

URL: https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-025-07512-4

Abstract

Overview

This cohort study investigated the link between exposure to electromagnetic waves from commonly used devices and various pregnancy and birth outcomes among women in Yazd City. The study population consisted of 1,666 participants from the Yazd Mother and Child Cohort Center enrolled between 2015 and 2019.

Research Methods

  • Exposures measured: Cell phones, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi instruments
  • Outcomes assessed: Miscarriage, preterm labor, abnormal birth weight, deviations in newborn height and head circumference
  • Statistical analysis: SPSS version 24 and R-studio version 4.3.1

Findings

  • 41 (2.5%) mothers had miscarriages
  • 174 (10.4%) experienced preterm labor
  • 181 (10.9%) infants had abnormal birth weights
  • 117 (7%) infants had abnormal height
  • 124 (7.4%) infants had abnormal head circumference

Mothers with longer cell phone call duration during pregnancy had a higher risk of miscarriage (p < 0.001), abnormal birth weight (p = 0.002), and abnormal height (p = 0.003) compared to those with lower call durations.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a significant association between increased cell phone exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of negative pregnancy and birth outcomes, including miscarriage, abnormal birth weight, and abnormal height. Additionally, increased cordless phone use was linked to abnormal birth weight in newborns.

⚠️ It is important to note the established connection between electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and these adverse health outcomes.

electromagnetic waves pregnancy outcomes birth outcomes cell phone exposure miscarriage birth weight cohort study
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