This Is How You Should Use Your Cell Phone During Pregnancy

Most moms-to-be become very aware and wary of what they put on and in their bodies. This often includes food, beverages and skincare products. But what about cellphones and other high-tech gadgets that most of us use on the daily?

In today’s technology-driven world, wireless devices are with us day and night, and they emit energy called electromagnetic radio waves that can end up in our bodies. In large enough quantity, low-energy microwave radiation can cause tiny increases in heat, which can then damage DNA. Though the research in the field is new, one study from a team of scientists at Yale University found that exposure to wireless radiation could be linked to behavioral problems like ADHD and impaired memory. What’s more, Dr. Hugh Taylor, one of the scientists in the study, noted during a podcast that I did with him, “”What you do when you’re pregnant may affect your child’s fertility. And our fertility right now may have been programmed by what our mothers did when they were pregnant. I think that’s an important piece that we’re missing.”

Since scientists have found that children absorb more radiation than adults are thus at an increased risk for toxic exposure, it is important to do our very best to protect our developing children — and to do so even when they are in the womb. Luckily, you don’t have to give up technology! Simple tweaks in behavior can help reduce the health risks that wireless emissions can pose. Below are five key tips to reduce your exposure to radiation during pregnancy.

1. Don’t put cell phones and laptops on your body. While this is a common habit, science indicates that this may be very risky to the development of unborn children (and to the adult). So avoid putting these devices on your body. When you must, or when they are near you, then these following adjustments can significantly reduce your EMF exposures: turn off WiFi and Bluetooth; and don’t have them plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, power up the batteries of these devices before you need to work closely with them, and connect to the Internet with a wired cable.

2. Rather than speak on a cell phone with it close to your brain, use cell phones on speaker mode. Wired earphones (avoid Bluetooth) can also reduce your brain’s EMF exposures. However, be mindful of how close you may keep the cell phone on your body.

3. Avoid cordless phones. Cordless phones can also emit impactful radiation. Using corded (landline) phones can reduce your use of both cell phones and cordless phones.

4. Choose texts over calls.. When you must use your cell phone for phone calls, try to keep them short to reduce your radiation exposures. To help achieve this, texting as much as you can can help reduce your time on the cell phone. Texting exposes you to less radiation.

5. Avoid using your cell phone when your signal strength is low. When signal bars show weak signal, our phones can emit stronger radiation because it has to work harder to get a signal. Instead, wait to use your cell phone in an area that has stronger signal. If you must use the phone with a weak signal, then try to do so away from other people. When you don’t need the phone to be on in areas of weak signal, then turn your phone off or to airplane mode.

Final Verdict: Cell phones and pregnancy

Navigating the world of technology during pregnancy can feel like a minefield. With so much information and so many opinions, what’s the best approach when it comes to cell phones and pregnancy? Here’s our final take, balancing caution with practicality.

Understanding the Risks

Research into cell phone use during pregnancy is ongoing. While there’s no conclusive evidence linking cell phone radiation directly to adverse pregnancy outcomes, the science does suggest that caution is warranted. Remember, during pregnancy, it’s not just about your health but also the well-being of your developing baby.

Practical Steps for Safety

Given the potential risks, adopting a cautious approach makes sense. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Minimize Exposure: Keep your cell phone away from your body when possible. Use speakerphone or wired earphones to reduce direct exposure.
2. Limit Usage: Cut down on non-essential phone use. Consider texting instead of calling and keep calls short when you do make them.
3. Safe Storage: When you’re not using your cell phone, store it away from your body. At night, keep it at a distance, such as on a bedside table rather than under your pillow.
4. Healthy Habits: Balance your screen time with other activities. Take breaks to stretch, walk, or do something you enjoy. This is good for your mental and physical health.
5. Tech-Free Zones: Create areas in your home where cell phones are not allowed, especially near where you sleep or relax. This can help reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation and improve your sleep quality.

The Bigger Picture

Remember, cell phone use is just one part of a broader lifestyle. During pregnancy, focusing on overall health and well-being is crucial. Eat well, stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and engage in gentle exercise. These steps will support your health and your baby’s development more than simply focusing on cell phone use.

For the Babies

Once your little one arrives, continue to exercise caution. Limit their exposure to cell phones and other electronic devices. Instead, focus on engaging with them directly through talking, playing, and reading. This not only reduces their exposure to potential risks but also supports their cognitive and emotional development.

The Final Word

While the definitive impact of cell phone radiation on pregnancy remains unclear, adopting a cautious approach is wise. Use technology mindfully, aware of its benefits and potential risks. By taking simple steps to reduce exposure and focusing on a healthy lifestyle, you can navigate your pregnancy with confidence, ensuring the well-being of both you and your baby in our digital world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mobile phone use harmful during pregnancy?

Using mobile phones during pregnancy hasn’t been definitively linked to adverse outcomes. However, limiting exposure to electromagnetic radiation is recommended. Use speaker mode or earphones to reduce direct exposure.

Is it OK to keep a cell phone near a baby?

It’s best to keep cell phones away from babies when not in use. Babies are more sensitive to radiation. When not in use, store your phone away from where your baby sleeps or plays.

Is it bad to have your phone near your stomach while pregnant?

While concrete evidence is lacking, caution is advised. Keep your phone away from your stomach. Use it at a distance to minimize potential risks.

Is too much screen time bad during pregnancy?

Excessive screen time can affect your sleep and stress levels. While not directly harmful to the baby, it’s beneficial for pregnant women to moderate screen use, especially before bedtime.

Is phone radiation harmful to newborns?

Newborns are more susceptible to electromagnetic radiation. While research is ongoing, minimizing your newborn’s exposure to phone radiation is advised for safety.

Do infants absorb wireless radiation?

Yes, infants can absorb electromagnetic radiation, potentially more than adults. It’s wise to reduce their exposure by limiting the use of wireless devices near them.

How many hours can a pregnant woman use a phone?

There’s no strict limit, but moderation is key. Prioritize necessary calls and texts, and try to limit extended use, especially holding the phone close to your body.

Does screen time affect baby development?

Excessive screen time can impact a baby’s sleep, learning, and social skills. While indirect, a pregnant woman’s screen habits can set the stage for the baby’s future screen use.

Should I limit screen time during pregnancy?

Yes, it’s a good idea to limit screen time. Focusing on relaxation and stress-reducing activities benefits both your well-being and your baby’s development during pregnancy.

Sophia Ruan Gushée is author of the critically-acclaimed book A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures, and creator of the upcoming online program, Detox Your EMFs: The Ultimate 21-Day Digital Detox. To join Sophia’s D-Tox community and stay updated on Detox Your EMFs and her podcast with Dr. Hugh Taylor, register for her free newsletter at NontoxicLiving.tips.