Patient's question:
Hello!I'm helping a friend with a few questions.
She is 29 years old and 6 weeks pregnant. She only found out she was pregnant in the fourth week. She often keeps her phone in her handbag while driving, and the bag is placed on her thigh, close to her abdomen. Is the radiation from the phone harmful to the fetus?
What are the risks of using a mobile phone during pregnancy?
What else should she be aware of? Can a computer be used?
How much TV can she watch?
Doctor's answer:
The radiation from mobile phones can affect the health of the fetus. If exposed to electromagnetic radiation during the embryonic development stage, it may lead to miscarriage. If exposed during the organ formation stage, the developing organs may become deformed. During the development of the central nervous system of the fetus, radiation exposure may result in intellectual disabilities in the child. The first three months of pregnancy, or the early stage of pregnancy, carry a much higher risk of radiation exposure compared to the middle and late stages of pregnancy. It is recommended to minimize mobile phone use, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. Additionally, a Down syndrome screening should be conducted between weeks 15-20 of pregnancy to assess the intellectual development of the fetus, and a four-dimensional ultrasound should be performed between weeks 22-26 to detect any congenital abnormalities.