Keeping your phone in your lap or pressed against your belly while lying in bed has become normal. However, this habit is not good for your reproductive health, especially if your goal is to conceive now or in the future.
You can make small adjustments in the way you keep your phone when not in use to support your fertility and overall health.
In this article:
How Do Mobile Phones Work?
Mobile phone emits a type of non-ionising electromagnetic radiation, also called radiofrequency (RF). This radiation is used to connect calls, send texts, and browse the internet. Your phone sends and receives signals through this radiation whenever it connects to a 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi network.Although this radiation is considered low and not strong enough to directly damage your cells, there is a growing concern about its long-term exposure. You may feel its effect more if you keep your phone close to your body.
Why Should You Be Cautious About Radiation Near Your Belly?
Keeping your phone close to your belly or placing it in your lap exposes your reproductive organs or a developing baby (if you are pregnant) to unnecessary radiation.- Proximity increases exposure: The intensity of radiation absorption increases if you keep your phone close to your body. Many studies suggest that keeping your phone a few inches away can significantly reduce the radiation exposure.
- Impact on reproductive health: Prolonged exposure to RF radiation near the abdomen could potentially affect egg quality or hormone balance in women trying to conceive, though research in this area is still ongoing.
- Pregnancy and fetal development: Your baby’s organs and nervous system develop at a fast pace during pregnancy. Some researchers worry that frequent, close-range exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may interfere with this development process.
What Do Experts Say About RF Radiation?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified RF radiation as a possible carcinogen, which means it may be the probable cause of cancer, but more research is still needed.Also, the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends keeping mobile phones and wireless devices away from a child’s body and encourages limited exposure during pregnancy.
Despite there being no direct evidence supporting the claim that mobile phone use during pregnancy causes harm, many health organisations still advise using mobile devices carefully.
Simple Ways to Limit Exposure
Please do not take stress or stop using your phone, but follow some easy steps to reduce direct exposure around your belly.- Keep it off your body: Keep your phone away from your stomach, lap or pants pocket. You can place it in a bag or on a nearby table when not in use.
- Use headphones or speaker mode: Use a wired headset or speakerphone to answer a call to keep your phone radiation away from your head and abdomen.
- Limit screen time on the belly: Hold your phone at a distance or use a stand if you often lie down with your phone resting on your stomach while using it.
- Avoid using it when the signal is low: Phones emit more radiation in low-signal areas, such as lifts and basement parking. Avoid using them in such places.
- Turn on aeroplane mode: Turn on the aeroplane mode on your phone when you are not using your phone, for example, while sleeping. This turns off signal transmission and reduces radiation.
What If You're Already Pregnant and Have Been Keeping Your Phone Close?
Existing studies do not show immediate harm from using a phone, so do not panic or make rash decisions. The aim is to be aware and adopt small changes in your routine if you have a habit of keeping or using your phone near your belly.Also, if you are already well into your second or third trimester of pregnancy, you can still make some adjustments in the way you use your phone.
A Balanced Approach
Relying on technology is a part of everyday life, so there is no way of avoiding phones or stopping their use altogether. However, you can always control the way you use your phone.Just keeping your phone a few inches away can significantly help you achieve your goals, whether it is a safer pregnancy, trying to conceive, or being cautious. When you are aware, you can take preventive steps and not live in fear of using your phone.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.
FAQs on Keeping Your Phone Away from Your Belly (and Why It Might Matter)
- Is it harmful to keep my phone on my belly during pregnancy?
Keeping your phone close to your belly during pregnancy may increase your exposure to radiofrequency radiation, but the immediate harm is negligible. It is advisable to keep your phone at a distance or use aeroplane mode when it is not in use. - Can phone radiation affect fertility or chances of getting pregnant?
Some studies suggest that your reproductive health may decline from long-term exposure to radiation, but more research is needed. You can avoid placing your phone in your lap or pants pocket as a precautionary measure. - What’s the safest way to use a phone during pregnancy?
You can minimise radiation exposure from a phone in several ways. These include answering any call on speaker or with wired earphones, keeping it off your body when not in use, and switching to aeroplane mode while sleeping or resting.
