Excessive mobile phone use during pregnancy: A silent threat to mother, fetal health

KABUL (Pajhwok): In today’s digital era, mobile phones have become an inseparable part of everyday life. However, doctors warn that excessive use of mobile phones during pregnancy may pose serious risks to both mother and the developing fetus.

They explain that overuse— especially in the early months of pregnancy— can lead to complications such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and even psychological disorders.

Hidden dangers of mobile phone overuse

Dr. Najm-ul-Sama Shafajo, a gynaecologist based in Kabul, told Pajhwok Afghan News that while mobile phones offer many conveniences, excessive use can be harmful to everyone, particularly pregnant women.

She explained that using a mobile phone for several hours a day could lead to impaired vision, dizziness and, over time, an increased risk of developing cancer.

She warned that excessive mobile phone use during pregnancy— especially between the second and eighteenth week, when the foetus’s organs were forming— could be dangerous and may result in low birth weight or preterm birth.

Quoting recent studies, she said: “Mothers who use mobile phones excessively during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to children who are unresponsive, lack awareness, and suffer from mental health problems. We’ve been using this technology for 35 years—just look at how indifferent and disconnected today’s youth seem. Why? Because their mothers overused mobile phones during pregnancy and failed to pay attention to their unborn babies.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Mashal Bahar, another gynaecologist in Kabul, added: “Pregnant women who use mobile phones for more than 30 minutes a day or remain in constant contact with them may face negative outcomes regarding their child’s physical, mental, and brain development.”

She continued: “The first trimester is especially crucial, as this is when major organs develop. Mothers should restrict their phone use during this period. Constant exposure to notifications from platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp increases maternal stress and heart rate, which can negatively affect foetal growth and well-being.”

Dr. Bahar also noted that studies in several countries have linked prolonged mobile phone use during pregnancy to babies being born underweight, abnormal, or prematurely.

Doctors’ recommendations

Dr. Shafajo recommended that pregnant women should limit phone use to three sessions of 30 minutes per day and avoid prolonged or continuous use. If necessary, they should use hands-free options and keep the phone at least 75 centimetres away from the body.

She further cautioned against using phones while charging, stating that radiation emissions during this time can increase by up to 1,000 times.

“Keep your phone away from your head while sleeping,” she said. “Some people place it under their pillow, which is extremely dangerous. Today’s rise in headaches, depression, and irritability can largely be attributed to improper mobile phone use.”

Dr. Bahar echoed these warnings, advising expectant mothers to keep usage below 30 minutes per day, turn off Wi-Fi at night and place mobile phones at least one metre away from where they sleep.

Mothers’ perspectives on mobile use

Manizha Zazai, an office worker in Kabul, said that although she is aware of the risks, work responsibilities compel her to use her phone for several hours each day.

In the ninth month of her pregnancy, she said: “When I use my phone too much, I suffer from headaches, dizziness, and extreme fatigue—to the point where I don’t even have the energy to speak with my family.”

She also noted symptoms such as eye pain, redness, and a burning sensation after extended mobile use, which she attributes to radiation exposure.

Marjanah, a resident of Sar-i-Pul province and a mother of three, said she occasionally uses her phone for leisure—listening to music or watching videos—but added that all her children were born healthy. She has not experienced health issues herself, as she spent most of her pregnancies engaged in household tasks and physical activity on the farm.

kk/ma