EMFs and Pregnancy: What You Actually Need To Know (Without Fear-Mongering!)

You’ve probably heard whispers—or full-on rants—about EMFs (electromagnetic fields) being dangerous during pregnancy. And if you’ve gone down an internet rabbit hole, you may have ended up more confused or anxious than when you started.

So let’s break it down in a way that’s calm, evidence-informed, and focused on what’s actually worth your attention. Understanding how EMFs work and how they might impact your pregnancy can help you make small, empowered changes—without going off the grid or throwing away your phone. Unfortunately, most people don’t get balanced, realistic guidance about EMFs—just extremes that make it hard to know what’s helpful and what’s just hype.

Here’s why many pregnant people struggle to make sense of EMF information:

• Most of what’s online is either fear-based or dismissive

• Research is still emerging and sometimes contradictory

• We’re surrounded by EMFs 24/7—so it can feel overwhelming

• We don’t always know what level or type of EMF exposure might matter

• We don’t want to add one more thing to feel guilty or stressed about

But the good news? You can reduce unnecessary exposure without panic—and I’m going to walk you through what I recommend to clients every day.

Understand What EMFs Actually Are

Before we dive into what to do, let’s ground ourselves. EMFs are invisible fields of energy associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting. They’re everywhere—from the sun to your cell phone to the Wi-Fi router.

There are two broad types:

• Low-frequency EMFs (like power lines, appliances, electronics)

• Radiofrequency EMFs (like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cell signals)

Most concern around pregnancy centers on radiofrequency EMFs, which have been studied for potential impacts on fetal development, sleep, and cellular health. Some studies suggest there could be effects at high levels of exposure—others find no significant risk. It’s not about eliminating every exposure, but about choosing simple swaps where they make sense.

Take Easy, Low-Lift Steps at Home

Where many people go wrong is thinking they have to do everything perfectly or else it’s not worth doing anything. That’s just not true.

Here are my favorite, low-stress ways to reduce EMF exposure during pregnancy:

• Put your phone on airplane mode (and/or put it to bed in another room) while you sleep.

• Use speakerphone or earbuds instead of holding the phone to your head.

• Don’t rest your laptop directly on your belly—use a table or lap desk.

• Turn off your Wi-Fi router at night (it’s a great sleep hygiene tool, too!).

• Keep your phone out of your bra or waistband.

One of my clients kept her phone in her hoodie pocket all day—and after learning more, she switched to using a crossbody bag and now keeps it a few inches away most of the time. Little things like that feel manageable, and over time, they do add up.

Focus on What You Can Control, and Let the Rest Go

Here’s the truth: we’re not going to eliminate all EMFs. And we don’t need to. But when you make thoughtful adjustments, especially during the most sensitive periods of fetal development (the first trimester, and again later when brain growth takes off), you’re adding one more layer of intention to your prenatal care.

Just like how we filter our water (ok some of us), think about our nutrition, and try to move our bodies, EMF awareness is simply another layer of care. Not a burden. Not a rulebook. Just one more way to show up with love. And that, truly, is enough.

In summary:
You don’t need to fear EMFs, but being informed gives you a few simple tools to reduce exposure in a way that feels empowering—not exhausting.

Next step?
Pick one thing from the list above—maybe turning off Wi-Fi at night or keeping your phone out of bedroom—and start there. You can always add more later, but even one change helps you move through your pregnancy with intention and care.

Love,

Emily