If you’re pregnant and carry a cellphone on your body, be mindful of the health effects it could have on your child.

A new study finds that the sound of a mobile phone disturbs a baby while in the womb. “Startle reflex” is the phrase used to describe such a reaction.

A research team launched a study focused on female resident physicians, who are said to have a higher-than-average rate of pregnancy complications, including premature birth.

The study included 28 obstetrics and gynecology residents who were all in their third trimester. They each carried a cellphone or beeper that was positioned near the fetus’ head.

On five occasions, the devices were activated to emit a series of rings that were separated by five-minute intervals. The women underwent ultrasound screenings during that time so the effect on the fetuses could be measured.

The sound of the cellphone startled all of the fetuses. Reactions included head-turning, mouth-opening and blinking. When the devices were then triggered to ring every 10 minutes, most of the fetuses displayed similar responses on the first ring.

The findings were recently presented at an obstetrics and gynecology conference in San Francisco.

Researchers conclude that these sounds impact normal fetal behavior. However, it’s unknown what long-term effects these reactions may have on babies. Because of that, more studies are needed, including trials that feature a larger group of women.

Despite that, it’s apparent that our children react to sound, even when in the womb. Perhaps we can give more thought to how we carry cellphones and other devices that make noise. We should do what we can to help ensure optimal health for our little ones.