Abstract

Background:
Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure has increased significantly recently. Its influence on pregnancy outcomes, such as small for gestational age, low birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm delivery, remains ambiguous. Extensive research has demonstrated that such exposure increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, although the mechanisms underlying changes in embryonic development are poorly understood.

Aim:
This study investigated the impact of EMF on the placenta and offspring of BALB/c mice subjected to cell phone radiation.

Methods:
Fourteen pregnant mice were divided into two groups and placed in separate cages. The Control Group (CG) remained unexposed, whereas the Experimental Group (EG) was subjected to mobile phone radiation for 24 h daily between gestational days 1 and 19 at a whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.74 W/kg. On gestational day 20, the mice were euthanized, the placenta excised, and fetuses carefully detached. Pup body dimensions and weights were then measured.

Results:
Placental thickness in the decidua basalis of EG mice was reduced compared to CG, although not statistically significant, whereas the labyrinth zone showed significant thinning. Microscopic damage scoring revealed significantly higher degeneration in EG's decidua basalis and labyrinth layers. Pup crown–rump length, tail length, and foot size were significantly longer in CG than in EG (*p*

Key words: Cell phone radiation; Electromagnetic field; Placenta; Mice; Offspring.