May 19, 2008 7:58 pm US/Eastern
Study: Using Your Cell Phone May Harm Your Baby
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
We have all heard all sorts of warning about the connection between cell phones and you health, but nothing like this: using a cell phone while pregnant, can seriously harm your baby.
Like millions of Americans Crystal Cruz spends a lot of time on her cell phone.
"I use my cell phone more than normal," said Cruz. "I'm on the phone, or I'm texting."
But she is also 31 weeks pregnant.
"I never thought that it would really bother the baby," she explained.
A new study found that children born to mothers who used cell phones just two-to-three times a day during pregnancy were 54-percent more likely to have behavioral problems upon entering school. Including hyperactivity, emotional issues, and conduct disorders.
CBS4's Dr. Sean Kennif said other factors may be involved and it's not necessarily electromagnetic radiation coming from the phones. For instance, women who talk on the phone a lot during their pregnancy might continue the same pattern after childbirth and therefore spend less time with their children.
But Dr. Robert Fields, an obstetrician from Memorial Hospital in Miramar, said the behavioral problems are concerning enough to recommend cutting back.
"It certainly gives us reason to pause," said Dr. Fields. But he says more study is needed, and even if electromagnetic radiation from the phones does no harm, it certainly doesn't help.
"One thing for sure is electromagnetic radiation is not good for you," explained Dr. Fields.
Crystal said she is concerned about the connection.
"Yeah, I plan to cut back, because I want the best for my baby," explained Crystal.
For now, she's putting her cell phone habit on hold.
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