Investigation of fetal exposure to electromagnetic waves between 2.45 and 5 GHz during pregnancy

Abstract In this paper, we have assessed the specific absorption rate (SAR) in fetal brain and lungs during the second trimester of pregnancy conditions of body exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF). SAR calculations were performed for frontal and lateral incidences, with both vertical and horizontal polarization of the incident electromagnetic (EM) waves at frequencies ranging from 2.45 to 5 GHz. A realistic pregnant human model with a belly button piercing was implemented for numerical simulation for nonionizing dosimetry. The simulation results reveal that SAR tends to rise in the presence of belly-button piercing. The highest SAR10g recorded on the fetus’s lungs was 16 mW/kg at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Similarly, the maximum SAR10g value on the fetus’s brain was measured 14 mW/kg, occurring at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Results indicate that metal objects can lead to an increase in SAR values. However, obtained values remain below limits set by international organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.