A new study conducted by researchers at University of California revealed that mobile phone usage during pregnancy could lead to behavioural and emotional problems in children.

The study based on 13,000 children discovered that preggies using handsets just two or three times a day was enough to increase the possibility of their babies developing hyperactivity and problems related with behavior, feelings and relationships by the time they reached school age.

Especially, mothers who used cell phones were 54% more prone to have babies with behavioral problems.

The chances are even greater if the kids themselves used the phone before the age of seven.

When children make use of a cell phone themselves, they were 80% more likely to suffer behavioral problems. They were also 25% more at risk from emotional problems, 34% more likely to have difficulties relating to their peers, 35% more likely to be hyperactive, and 49% more prone to conduct problems.

The study outcomes took the top scientists who conducted it by surprise.

The research will carry particular weight because one of its authors, UCLA's Professor Leeka Kheifets, had previously been skeptical that mobile phones could pose a risk to health.