Evaluation of factors affecting birth weight and preterm birth in southern Turkey.
Col-Araz N. · 2013
View Original AbstractPregnant 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
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.
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/},
}