8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Reproductive Health

Evaluation of factors affecting birth weight and preterm birth in southern Turkey.

Bioeffects Seen

Col-Araz N. · 2013

View Original Abstract
Share:

Pregnant women who used mobile phones or computers delivered earlier than those who didn't, suggesting common EMF devices may trigger preterm birth.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Turkish researchers studied 500 pregnant women to see if using electronic devices affected birth outcomes. They found that mothers who used mobile phones or computers during pregnancy were significantly more likely to deliver prematurely (before 37 weeks), though device use didn't affect birth weight. The study suggests everyday EMF exposure from common devices may influence pregnancy duration.

Why This Matters

This Turkish study adds important evidence to growing concerns about EMF exposure during pregnancy. While the research didn't measure specific radiation levels, it examined real-world device usage patterns that millions of pregnant women experience daily. The finding that mobile phone and computer use correlate with shorter pregnancies is particularly significant because preterm birth carries serious health risks for infants, including developmental delays and increased medical complications. What makes this research noteworthy is its focus on common devices rather than occupational or extreme exposures. The science demonstrates that even routine EMF exposure from everyday electronics may affect one of the most sensitive periods of human development. While more research is needed to establish causation, pregnant women have good reason to consider minimizing unnecessary device exposure during this critical time.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

To identify factors affecting birth weight and pre-term birth, and to find associations with electromagnetic devices such as television, computer and mobile phones.

The study was conducted in Turkey at Gazintep University, Faculty of Medicine's Outpatient Clinic at...

In the study, 90 (19%) patients had pre-term birth, and 64 (12.9%) had low birth weight rate Birth w...

Mobile phones and computers may have an effect on pre-term birth.

Cite This Study
Col-Araz N. (2013). Evaluation of factors affecting birth weight and preterm birth in southern Turkey. J Pak Med Assoc. 2013 Apr;63(4):459-62.
Show BibTeX
@article{n._2013_evaluation_of_factors_affecting_1989,
  author = {Col-Araz N.},
  title = {Evaluation of factors affecting birth weight and preterm birth in southern Turkey.},
  year = {2013},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23905441/},
}
PubMed: 23905441

Cited By (14 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

A 2013 Turkish study of 500 pregnant women found that mothers who used mobile phones during pregnancy were significantly more likely to deliver before 37 weeks. The research suggests everyday cell phone use may influence pregnancy duration, though it didn't affect birth weight.
Research from Turkey shows computer use during pregnancy may increase premature birth risk. In a study of 500 women, those who used computers had shorter pregnancy durations and more deliveries before 37 weeks, though birth weights remained normal.
A study of 500 pregnant women in Turkey found that mobile phone use was associated with shorter pregnancy duration and increased risk of premature delivery. However, phone radiation didn't appear to impact the baby's birth weight.
Turkish researchers found that pregnant women using mobile phones and computers had significantly higher rates of preterm birth (before 37 weeks). The study of 500 women suggests common electronic devices may influence pregnancy timing through EMF exposure.
A 2013 study found that pregnant women who used mobile phones or computers had shorter pregnancies and more premature deliveries. Among 500 participants, device users were significantly more likely to give birth before the full 37-week term.