Document Type
Article
Publication Year
2020
Faculty Mentor
Jacob Adkison, MSN, DNP & Charity Keplinger, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C
Abstract
This study explored the possible adverse outcomes of cell phone use during the prenatal period. Previous literature has lacked in the analysis of all the potential adverse outcomes of cell phone use during pregnancy. This gap in literature, is needed to determine if a reduction in cell phone usage during pregnancy should be recommended in future clinical practices. For my research, I reviewed three published studies that have been done on cell phone use during pregnancy. These studies include the potential adverse effects in causing ADHD, developmental milestone delays, and low birth weights in children. Of the three studies analyzed, it was found that medium (2-3 calls/day), and high frequency usage (≥ 4 calls/day), had an Odds Ratio (OR) of 1.28 times the risk for having a child with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder, compared to low frequency usage (0-1calls/day). Furthermore, research shows no correlation between cell phone use during pregnancy and cognitive/language or motor developmental delays at the age of 18-months or low birth weights among infants. While there appears to be some evidence demonstrating a potential link between cell phone use during pregnancy, and increased risk of having a child with ADHD, more research needs to be conducted prior to recommending cell phone usage reductions during pregnancy.