The Effect of Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Fetal Development

Abstract

Aims: The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of electromagnetic field exposure during pregnancy on fetal anthropometric measurements by means of ultrasonography. Methods: This is a cross sectional study. The study was conducted among 261 pregnant women who applied to the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic. A face-to-face questionnaire was applied to 261 volunteer pregnant women and fetal anthropometric measurements (head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), biparietal diameter (BPD)) were performed by transabdominal ultrasound. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women in this study was 29.65 ± 6. 140. (53.6%) of the pregnant women were between the ages of 25-34, 260 (99.6%) were married, 85 (32.6%) were high school graduates and 184 (70.5%) were housewives. The income of 116 (44.4%) pregnant women was equal to their expenses. The frequency of those exposed to electromagnetic fields at home is 98.5%. There was no difference found between FL, AC, HC and BPD values and electromagnetic field exposure at home, exposure to x-ray or tomography (p>0.05). It was observed that FL, HC, BPD ultrasonographic measurement values were significantly lower in people exposed to electromagnetic field at work compared to those not exposed to electromagnetic field at work. Conclusion: It was observed that FL, HC, BPD ultrasonographic measurement values were significantly lower in people exposed to electromagnetic field at work. There are studies that show the negative effects of electromagnetic field on the fetus, especially during pregnancy, although there is no definitive evidence. Studies to be carried out on this subject can be a guide for protection from the negative effects of electromagnetic field.