Smart ways to use a cell phone during pregnancy

Cellphone use is risky; just ask Scarlett Johansson and Mila Kunis, who found themselves, well, exposed to more than radiation when their cells’ cameras were hacked. But we YOU Docs are much more interested in helping moms-to-be negotiate the digital age safely than in starlets turning scarlet with embarrassment.

You may be worried ‘cause you heard about a recent study of mice who were endlessly exposed to cellphone calls while pregnant (that lasts 19 days for them) and had ADHD offspring. (Mighty Mouse just flying in circles? Mickey unable to concentrate?) Researchers are saying it’s the first proof that a newborn can have its behavior altered by in-utero exposure to a cell’s radiation. But does this translate to humans? No one knows. So to be safe, not sorry, while you’re pregnant and around infants, try:

Turn the phone off when not in use.

While it’s on, keep it away from your body; even an inch away makes a difference. Texting with it a foot or more from your belly and torso is a great option. Carry it in your purse or backpack, never in a pocket.

Talk briefly; save long conversations for in person.

Use a headset and keep the phone away from your belly or head. Better yet, use the speaker whenever you can.

Use the cellphone only when the signal is strong; the weaker it is, the more radiation it is emitting.

That’s our .02, and we hope you DTTD more than really necessary.

The YOU Docs, Mehmet Oz, host of “The Dr. Oz Show” and Mike Roizen of Cleveland Clinic, are authors of “YOU: Losing Weight.” For more information go to www.RealAge.com.