How does xray affect early pregnancy

Perhaps the most important fact for a physician to remember is that the currently accepted maximum limit of ionizing radiation exposure to the fetus during pregnancy is a cumulative dose of 5 rad.

Specifically, exposure to less than 5 rad has not been associated with an increase in fetal anomalies or pregnancy loss. Information from references 3 , 5 and 7. Careful attention must also be given to the parents' potential emotional turmoil at the thought of placing their infant at any increased risk, however small.

For example, the general population's total risk of spontaneous abortion, major malformations, mental retardation and childhood malignancy is approximately per 1, deliveries. Exposing a fetus to 0.

A patient's particular study could be also plotted on this graph, showing the clear margin of safety that exists for all single diagnostic studies. Graphic comparison of common radiographic studies with the accepted 5-rad cumulative fetal exposure limit.

As part of counseling, physicians should help patients understand that birth anomalies frequently occur spontaneously, with no identifiable cause. Statistics show that among the general population, in 4 to 6 percent of all deliveries, some spontaneous malformation is present.

Radiation from diagnostic x-rays is exceedingly unlikely to cause harm to a fetus. Yet, if after any exposure an anomaly is found, a parent's natural inclination may be to blame radiation, and it will then be difficult to help them understand baseline malformation rates. For example, one author reported on a case of a woman who nearly instituted legal action because of mild syndactyly of her infant's fourth and fifth fingers after third-trimester dental radiographs exposure 0.

Diagnostic x-rays during pregnancy are considered safe, yet physicians should use reasonable caution while remaining sensitive to patients' fears and concerns. As with all patient care, good communication promotes a trusting relationship. Unexpected outcomes often lead to anger and legal action. Thus, a factual discussion of the nature of the planned examination and its potential outcomes, and documenting consent are appropriate steps before ordering a study.

Asking nonpregnant women with child-bearing potential about the possibility of pregnancy is also an important way to avoid unpleasant surprises. Women exposed to radiation exceeding a cumulative dose of 5 rad and those with particular concerns about their infant's health may require further evaluation or referral. A radiation physicist can calculate the estimated dose of radiation to the fetus to assist in patient counseling. A physician's caution should not become unreasonable.

Concerns of medicolegal liability may lead some caregivers to inappropriately withhold needed x-rays, thus jeopardizing the health of both mother and fetus. Yet legal liability with exposures less than 5 rad should be minimal and, in fact, many key organizations have declared such exposures to be safe Table 2.

Furthermore, it would be difficult to prove that a given radiograph caused harm in light of the high baseline rate of malformations. Ensuring that radiographs are truly indicated and are ordered in accordance with applicable published guidelines will give further support to a physician's course of action at any review.

If a mother's illness necessitates x-rays, there should usually be no hesitation in ordering the needed study. A woman may fear radiation so much that she believes she should abort a fetus after exposure. Up to 25 percent of exposed women believe their infants are at risk for major malformation.

Medically, the additional risk imposed by diagnostic radiation is simply too small to justify terminating a pregnancy. For example, one risk associated with lower-dose radiation is childhood leukemia. Yet it would be necessary to abort 1, exposed fetuses to prevent one case of leukemia. A pregnant woman who is ill and requires radiographic imaging faces potential risks from her disease to her own health as well as that of her developing infant's. These risks almost always outweigh the minor hazards posed by low-dose radiation exposure.

Physicians should not hesitate to order a study if an appropriate work-up of the mother requires a specific test to guide diagnosis and treatment. However, nonurgent x-rays should be avoided in weeks 10 to 17, the period of greatest CNS sensitivity. When diagnostic imaging is acutely needed, ultrasonography may represent an alternative to ionizing radiation and is considered safe throughout pregnancy.

Patient counseling before radiation exposure will help alleviate anxiety and misunderstandings. Proper communication may also reduce unnecessary litigation in the event of an unexpected outcome. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. Toppenberg graduated from Loma Linda Calif. He received a master's degree in medical physics from Emory University, Atlanta, and is certified by the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Medical Physics for each of the disciplines of medical physics: therapeutic oncology, diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine.

Address correspondence to D. Ashley Hill, M. Rollins Ave. Figure 1 is based on data derived from references 4 through 8. Jones KL. Effects of therapeutic, diagnostic, and environmental agents. Maternal-fetal medicine. Philadelphia: Saunders, — Brent RL. The effect of embryonic and fetal exposure to x-ray, microwaves, and ultrasound: counseling the pregnant and nonpregnant patient about these risks.

Semin Oncol. Hall EJ. Scientific view of low-level radiation risks. Radiation exposure in pregnancy. In: Current Problems in Radiology. Technic of pneumoencephalography. Chicago: Year Book Medical, — National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Once your provider knows you're pregnant, they may recommend holding off or getting a different test. Even if they give you the go-ahead, let the technician running the test know.

They may have extra precautions they take for pregnant women, such as covering your belly with a lead apron to protect the fetus from radiation exposure. It's just as important to tell your provider and technician if you might be pregnant. They may ask you to take a pregnancy test first to confirm. So, if you've been actively trying or showing signs of pregnancy - like nausea, vomiting, or breast tenderness - say something. In general, radiology tests are safe while breastfeeding after pregnancy.

Even if you take a contrast - a temporary dye used in certain imaging tests - the amount of contrast that gets passed to your baby in breast milk is extremely low, so it's not considered risky. However, it's still a good idea to let your physician and the technician know if you're breastfeeding.

They may have their own recommendations as to whether to hold off on the test or on the breastfeeding. They can help you decide on the path that's safest for both you and your baby. Call to schedule an appointment or for more information. You will need a referral for most radiology tests. Are all X-rays safe while pregnant?

What are the chances my baby will have adverse side effects? Want to Know More? Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook. Share on twitter Twitter. Share on linkedin LinkedIn. Share on email Email. Similar Post.

Pregnancy Health and Wellness. Constipation in Pregnancy Constipation during pregnancy is a common problem and nearly half of all pregnant women get constipated at some point. Constipation occurs….