X-ray during pregnancy

You may have heard that x-rays during pregnancy can harm your baby. This may be true, but in some cases, missing an x-ray can hurt you more than your baby. Remember that a healthy mother means a healthy child.

Is it safe to receive x-rays during pregnancy?

X-rays are generally safe during pregnancy, but there is a lot of controversy surrounding this issue. Research has been inconsistent and therefore X-rays should only be done when the benefits outweigh the risks.

An X-ray can give a doctor important and even vital information about many diseases. Like many things, x-rays can have both benefits and risks.

Are all x-rays safe during pregnancy?

Not all x-rays are the same, but most of them have little effect on the uterus and develop the fetus. With a dental X-ray, there is practically no radiation exposure to any part of the body other than the teeth. X-rays of your arms, legs, or chest do not expose your reproductive organs to a direct beam.

However, x-rays of the torso, such as the abdomen, stomach, pelvis, lower back, and kidneys, are more likely to affect the uterus. It is always important to tell your doctor that you are pregnant if you need an x-ray.

What are the chances that my child will have unwanted side effects?

No diagnostic x-ray has a radiation dose large enough to cause adverse effects on a developing embryo or fetus. Some common diagnostic procedures include examination of the teeth, chest organs, computed tomography (head/thorax), and examination of the abdomen.