Cell phone use by pregnant women leads to behavior problems in children later
If this study from UCLA finds solid proof, then all my children are in big trouble!
An epidemiological survey by UCLA researchers found that pregnant women who regularly use mobile phones are more likely to have children with behavioral problems. What’s more, the study found that the risk of developing hyperactivity and emotional difficulties increase if the children themselves used the phones before the age of seven.
To make things clear, this study did not look at the question if cell phones (or even radiation) causes behavioral problems. Rather, the survey only showed that there was an association or link between children’s behavior and cell phone use by the mom when pregnant. According to the study, possible explanations other than radiation maybe that mothers who are frequently on the phone (two to three times a day; cell phone always on) could be neglecting their children. The researchers say their results should be “interpreted with caution”.
The study will be published in the July issue of Epidemiology and I read the advanced e-published copy. I just find it hard to believe. This could again be about cell phone radiation causing damage to the fetus. But if this were about a pregnant mother’s behavior/activity that results in damage to the developing fetus, then it raises even more questions.
For one, how long were the pregnant women on the phones that the activity resulted to their fetuses being affected so much that behavioral problems would rise years later? There could also be other unmeasured factors that explain the results better than simply too much talking on the phone.
Further investigation is definitely warranted. BUT, if these results hold water, then the implications are going to be devastating today where almost everyone is on their cell phones 24/7.
What do YOU think?
Read the report from the Independent Mail.
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POSTED IN: Behavior and Emotional Health, Children's Health, Learning Disabilities, Pregnancy and Parent Care
3 opinions for Cell phone use by pregnant women leads to behavior problems in children later
Gina
May 21, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I’m not sure how I feel about this article, I don’t know what to believe anymore these days, everything will harm you, everything will hurt you. We only use cell phones, don’t have a land line. I talked on my cell alot while pregnant with both my girls, and they’ve used cell phones since they could talk to talk to grandma/grandpa etc. So have I damaged my kids now? I dunno.
Saturday Sanity: Keeping Up With Yesterday
May 24, 2008 at 12:22 pm
[…] Health & Wellness Channel? Grace at Kids Health Notes points to a UCLA study that suggests that pregnant women who use cell phones may have children with behavior problems. Kendra at A Hearty Life gives a glimpse into her struggles with stress and how it affects […]
David
Jul 14, 2008 at 9:13 pm
If you’re going to let your kids use a cell phone, at least protect them. Products, like the waveshield, block radiation that’s released from cell phones. Children’s bodies are in the process of development, why risk damage to them with self-inflicted radiation?
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