Safety and Cell Phones: What Pregnant Women Should Know

Several scientific studies, including a recent report from Israel which looked at brain tumors among cell users, point to the potential hazards with using RF energy regularly near sensitive areas of the body.

The FDA advises, "The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe." They continue by saying, "Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research."

That noted, Dr. Kheifets says, "There's very little funding, particularly in the US" for research, despite the two billion people worldwide that use wireless phones."

What You Can Do

If you are concerned about the potential hazards of cell phone use on your unborn baby, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF).

• O'Connell advises you avoid anything that can interfere with your phone's signal strength. The harder your phone has to work to send out its signal, the more RF energy it's putting out. Use your phone as it came out of the box, as the manufacturer has tested it. That means rhinestone-studded covers or rubber sheaths are out.



• O'Connell also recommends you use a Bluetooth device, which still emits some RF energy but at a much lower level. Just don't forget to put the cell phone away from your body while using the Bluetooth device, don't hold it next to your belly, in your pocket, or on a waist clip.



• Dr. Eldridge suggests using landlines whenever possible instead of relying on your cell phone to make calls.



• Also, consider using your laptop computer to make calls or send an instant message.

"Sometimes just taking a couple of little precautionary steps each day can make a big difference," says Dr. Eldridge. But the most important advice Dr. Eldridge offers to pregnant women who are concerned about the issue is, "Don't stress out about it."

To find out more go to www.fda.gov/cellphones.