Study reviews potential health effects of mobile phone use during pregnancy
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A systematic review of the scientific literature on mobile phone use during pregnancy and fetal outcomes examines the potential health effects of exposure. While some studies included in the review found no significant association between short- or long-term mobile phone use and major pregnancy outcomes, most associated prolonged or intensive use with a range of adverse outcomes, particularly cardiovascular abnormalities and shorter gestational duration.
The evidence also suggests possible biological mechanisms through which mobile phone use could contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The findings are published in Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
The research was led by collaborators from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University.
The researchers searched PubMed and Web of Science for relevant studies published through February 2026.
"The rapid evolution of mobile phone technology and the increased frequency and duration of mobile phone use have raised concerns about potential adverse effects of cellphone exposure during pregnancy, underscoring the need to better understand potential risks to the developing fetus," said author Norman Kleiman, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia Mailman School and an expert in radiological health outcomes. He added, "Existing studies examining mobile phone use and adverse pregnancy outcomes are limited and often contradictory."
Sedentary time complicates exposure findings
Over the past several decades, mobile technology use has increased dramatically worldwide. Between 2000 and 2009, the number of cellphone users increased from approximately 500 million to 3.3 billion. By 2021, the number of cellphone users was estimated to have nearly doubled again, reaching 6.4 billion. The average smartphone user spends approximately three to four hours per day on their device.
In one study of 423 adults, including 256 women, greater cellphone use was significantly associated with increased sedentary behavior. High levels of sedentary behavior may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including reduced gestational age, hypertensive disorders and restricted fetal growth. However, the inability to distinguish the effects of sedentary behavior from those of radiation exposure is considered a limitation of many studies included in the review.
"Notably, mobile phone use may serve as a proxy for a sedentary lifestyle rather than strictly reflect radiation exposure," said Kleiman.
Potential effects beyond DNA damage
Mobile phones emit nonionizing microwave radiation, commonly referred to as radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). Because microwaves have much longer wavelengths and lower energy than X-rays or gamma rays, this type of radiation does not have enough energy to break chemical bonds or directly damage DNA in a way that causes mutations.
Previous research suggests that chronic, low-level exposure to RF-EMFs may influence biological processes, including cell signaling, membrane structure and function, and certain biophysical and biochemical pathways. Changes in these processes have been investigated in connection with noncancer health effects, including headaches, sleep disturbances and infertility.
Mobile phone RF-EMF exposure can also produce localized temperature increases in organs and tissues through thermal effects. High temperature is a known risk factor for organ dysfunction and altered blood flow.
Changing networks complicate exposure estimates
The researchers emphasize that future studies should consider the broader context of mobile phone use, including exposure from Wi-Fi networks and cell towers, which can be located close to users. As mobile technology continues to evolve, including the development and deployment of 5G networks, new exposure patterns to RF-EMFs may emerge. The researchers say it will be important to examine the potential health effects of these changing exposure patterns.
It is also essential to distinguish among different types of mobile phone use. For example, voice calls involve relatively close-range exposure to the head, while other activities may involve different patterns and durations of exposure.
Precautions amid uncertain evidence
The scientists suggest that simple measures could help reduce mobile phone exposure during pregnancy, particularly for women at higher risk. These actions include using speakerphone or wired headsets, keeping phones away from the abdomen and enabling airplane mode when the phone is not in use.
"Our findings should be interpreted with caution," said Kleiman. "Future research should prioritize well-designed cohort studies with standardized exposure assessments to clarify these associations. Given the rapid evolution of mobile phone technology and the increasing frequency and duration of mobile phone use, understanding the long-term effects of RF-EMF exposure on maternal and fetal health remains critical."
"While the accumulated evidence suggests possible adverse effects of mobile phone use during pregnancy, drawing firm conclusions remains premature given the inconsistent findings and methodological limitations across existing studies," said co-author Ka Kahe, M.D., Sc.D., professor of epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and professor of preventive medicine at Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. "Our review effectively underscores the need for more rigorous research to guide evidence-based recommendations."
Other co-authors are Maggie Wang, Cornell University; Yijia Zhang and Meghan Angley, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons; and Xiaobin Wang, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and School of Medicine.
More information
Maggie Wang et al, A systematic review of mobile phone use and pregnancy and fetal outcomes, Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41370-026-00958-4
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Obstetrics & gynecologyPregnancy Provided by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health Who's behind this story?
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