Cell Phones and Pregnancy-

I know I have been writing a lot about cell phones lately. Maybe it is because right now we don't have use of our landline and have to make all calls from our cell phones, away from our little one room cabin we are sleeping in. Usually, we're driving (I know, but what can we do?). So I've been thinking about them because right now we are using them a great deal. And of course I see everyone using them, all the time.

So when friend forwarded me this link to the Seventh Generation blog, and an article about using cell phones when pregnant, I clicked right to it (it's not what your thinking, mom). And was I surprised by what I read.

Turns out there was a massive study done in Denmark showing a connection between cell phone use of pregnant women and behavioral problems in children, as well as a stronger link when the children use the phones themselves. According to the post and study:

"The study, conducted at UCLA and Denmark’s University of Aarhus, and scheduled to be published in the July issue of the medical journal Epidemiology, found that pregnant women who used cell phones just two or three times a day were 54% more likely to give to give birth to children who would experience behavioral problems (emotional issues, hyperactivity, difficulties relating to peers, etc.) than women who didn’t use a cell phone during their pregnancy. Kids who also used cell phones themselves before age seven fared even worse and had an 80% greater chance of developing some kind of behavioral trouble."

Yikes! The article goes on the say that there are varying opinions (of course) from many scientists who do not believe in the link and problem. But who cares! Let's follow the precautionary principle, the approach I often advocate for on this blog, and the author of this post does as well. If there is the possibility of harm, why risk it?

Basically, until more is known I think it makes sense to: limit your use of a cell phone, especially if you are pregnant, and don't let your kids use them excessively, if at all.



photo on Flikr by Berk McGowan