Evaluation of neonatal outcomes according to the specific absorption rate values of phones used during pregnancy

Authors: Büyükeren M, Karanfil Yaman F

Year: 2024 Mar 6

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc

Institution: Konya City Hospital

DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2023.2022-10-1

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10921072/

Abstract

Overview

Objective: This study aimed to compare neonatal outcomes according to cell phone specific absorption rate (SAR) levels and daily time spent on cell phones by pregnant women.

Material and Methods:

  • Participants: Women who gave birth at Konya City Hospital between September 2020 and February 2021 were included.
  • Data Collected: Gestational ages, birth weight, birth length, head circumference, sex, 5-minute APGAR scores, neonate postpartum resuscitation requirement, delivery type, the model of phone used, and average daily time spent on the phone.
  • Analysis: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the relation between SAR values and delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) baby.

Findings

  • A total of 1495 pregnant women participated.
  • Significantly higher rates of SGA fetuses were found in women who used phones with higher SAR values (p=0.001).
  • The SAR threshold was identified at 1.23 W/kg with 69.3% sensitivity and 73.0% specificity (AUC: 0.685; 95% CI: 0.643-0.726).
  • No significant correlation was found between time spent on the phone and SGA birth rate.
  • Both SAR values and phone use time were higher in the symmetrical SGA group compared to the asymmetrical SGA group, but the difference was not significant.
  • Women with preterm delivery also had higher SAR values and more phone time, yet without statistical significance.

Conclusion

As the SAR values of cell phones used during pregnancy increased, there was a trend towards delivering a SGA baby. This finding highlights a connection between exposure to electromagnetic fields and adverse neonatal outcomes, emphasizing the importance of EMF safety for pregnant individuals.

pregnancy neonatal outcomes specific absorption rate cell phones small for gestational age electromagnetic fields birth weight
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