What
types of diagnostic imaging procedures can
be safely carried out during pregnancy?
No known amount of radiation
is safe during pregnancy. Dangers to your
baby include an increased risk of mutations
and an increased risk of cancer later in
life. Some doctors feel the only safe amount
of X-rays during pregnancy is none. Presently
it is believed the fetus is at greatest
risk between 8 and 15 weeks gestation(fetal
age between 6 and 13 weeks) X-rays, CAT
scans and MRIs are some examples of these
procedures. Some points on them in brief:
• Diagnostic X-rays to areas other
than the abdomen pose little threat to the
developing baby, provided that appropriate
radiation shields are used.
• Abdominal CAT scans (CT scans) are
to be avoided during pregnancy, due to increased
risk that the baby will end up with developmental
malformations and / or childhood cancers.
• MRIs are a relatively new technology,
so doctors tend to limit their use during
pregnancy to situations where critical medical
information needs to be obtained and cannot
be obtained in any other manner or the only
other alternative is for e.g. surgery, poses
major risk to mother and baby. Radioactive
dyes containing iodine should not be used
at all during diagnostic imaging procedures
because of the risk of damage to the fetal
thyroid. |
