Wi-fi and cellphones increase the risk of miscarriage

Wi-fi and cellphones increase pregnant women's risk of suffering a miscarriage by nearly 50 percent, new research reveals. Magnetic field (MF) non-ionizing radiation, which is also given off by power lines and cell towers, has been found in past studies to put a stress on the body, leading to genetic damage that can cause pregnant women to miscarry. Those exposed to the highest levels of MF radiation are 48 percent more likely to lose their baby than women exposed to the lowest amounts, the US study found.

MF radiation, which everyone is exposed to at some extent, has previously been linked to cancer
and has been recommended by the World Health Organization to be studied for its effect on pregnancies. Miscarriages affect between 15 and 20 percent of pregnancies in the US. They are defined as losing babies less than 20 weeks into their gestation.

Pregnant women can reduce their magnetic field (MF) non-ionizing radiation exposure by - Keeping cellphones away from their abdomens and not keeping them in clothes pockets. Turning Wi-Fi off when it is not in use, particularly while sleeping. Keeping cellphones on airplane mood when they are not in use. Talking on speakerphone when making calls and keeping them as brief as possible.

Not using appliances that give off MF non-ionizing radiation when in the car, as levels are already increased. Researchers from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California,  analyzed 913 pregnant women at varying stages of their gestation. Some of the study's participants had previously suffered at least one miscarriage. All of the participants carried an EMDEX Lite meter, which measures MF-radiation exposure, for 24 hours on a typical day. Their pregnancy outcomes were followed for the duration of their gestation.

High-radiation exposure increases the risk by up to 48%. Results reveal pregnant women with the highest MF-radiation exposure have a 48 percent greater risk of miscarrying than those with the lowest exposure. Among pregnant women exposed to the highest levels of MF radiation, 24.2 per cent had a miscarriage compared to 10.4 per cent of those exposed to the lowest amounts. This risk occurs regardless of whether women have suffered miscarriages in the past and are therefore more likely to lose another baby before its birth. This study provides evidence from a human population that magnetic field non-ionizing radiation could have adverse biological impacts on human health.
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Labour induction at 40 weeks reduces risk of perinatal death

Induction of labor at 40 weeks in nulliparous women aged 35 and older is associated with reduced risk of in-hospital perinatal death, induction at or near the due date may be safer than expectant management in this group. Guidelines recommend induction of labor between 41 and 42 weeks of gestation to prevent the risks associated with prolonged pregnancy.

Women having their first baby at age 35 years or over are at increased risk of pregnancy complications, including perinatal death. To better understand the risks and benefits of elective induction in this group, researchers analyzed a national database of mothers giving birth between 2009 and 2014.

They discovered that induction of labour at 40 weeks (compared with expectant management) was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital perinatal death (0.08% versus 0.26%; adjusted risk ratio [adjRR] 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.80, P = 0.015) and meconium aspiration syndrome (0.44% versus 0.86%; adjRR 0.52; 95% CI 0.35-0.78, P = 0.002).

Induction at 40 weeks was also associated with a slightly increased adjusted risk of instrumental vaginal delivery (adjRR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.11, P = 0.020) and emergency caesarean section (adjRR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.09, P = 0.019). The number needed to treat (NNT) analysis indicated that 562 (95% CI 366-1,210) inductions of labor at 40 weeks would be required to prevent 1 perinatal death. Bringing forward the routine offer of induction of labour from the current recommendation of 41-42 weeks to 40 weeks of gestation in this group of women may reduce overall rates of perinatal death.
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How fetuses react to face-like Images from the womb

Researchers projected light through the uterine wall of pregnant mothers, and discovered that fetuses at 34 weeks gestation will turn their heads to look at face-like images over other shapes.

The researchers tested the responses of 39 fetuses to face-like patterns of light presented to them in both upright and inverted pattern.

The projected light moved across their field of vision while researchers watched the fetuses' reactions using 4D ultrasound.

 The result showed that the developing babies turned their heads to look more often at face-like stimuli that were upright than those that were presented to them upside down.

The findings also confirm that fetuses have enough light to see and have visual experiences in the womb.

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