Shocking new research appears to suggest that mobile phones and WiFi signals may increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women by nearly 50%.

The cause is magnetic field (MF) radiation that's emitted by power lines and cell towers - which are crucial when it comes to producing a mobile signal for our smartphones.

Those exposed to the highest levels of MF radiation are 48 percent more likely to lose their baby than women exposed to the lowest amounts, the US study found.

The research came from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California. They analysed 913 pregnant women at various stages of their pregnancy.

All of the women carried a special meter with them that measured their exposure to MF radiation for 24 hours over the course of a typical day.

Results reveal pregnant women with the highest MF-radiation exposure have a 48 percent greater risk of miscarrying than those with the lowest exposure.

The study was accepted for publication in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.

Lead author Dr De-Kun Li said: "This study provides evidence from a human population that magnetic field non-ionizing radiation could have adverse biological impacts on human health.

"We hope that the finding from this study will stimulate much-needed additional studies into the potential environmental hazards to human health, including the health of pregnant women."