| When you're pregnant, you
should avoid having an X-ray if possible. This is because
there's a very small risk that an X-ray could harm your
unborn baby, particularly during the first three months of
pregnancy when the baby is growing rapidly. So any
non-essential X-rays should be avoided as a precaution.
However, sometimes diagnosing an illness using an X-ray
is essential for the health of you and your unborn baby.
Therefore, in some circumstances, after discussing your
options with you, your healthcare professional may recommend
an X-ray to help diagnose an illness or condition so it can
be treated.
X-ray machines focus accurately on the part of the body
that needs to be viewed. The level of radiation varies
depending on the type of X-ray; the dose used will be the
lowest possible needed to get a good picture of the part of
the body being checked.
Some X-rays will pose very little risk because the
radiation doesn't go near the baby. For example, an X-ray of
the hand or chest.
X-rays late in pregnancy
X-rays are used occasionally late in pregnancy. For
example, if your pelvis or spine is injured while you're
pregnant, or if you have a bone disease, an X-ray can help
to assess whether you'll be able to deliver your baby
without any further complications.
Your doctor and radiologist (the person that carries out
your X-ray) will ensure that the benefits of having this
type of X-ray far outweigh the risks to you and your baby.
Dental X-rays
It's best to avoid non-essential dental treatment while
you're pregnant. Your dentist will always try to avoid
taking jaw and tooth X-rays while you're pregnant and will
usually wait until you've had the baby.
If you do need urgent dental treatment that involves
having an X-ray, you'll be asked to wear a lead apron over
your abdomen and pelvis. This will protect your unborn baby
from the small risk of radiation.
If your pregnancy hasn't been confirmed
If you think you might be pregnant but haven't confirmed
it yet, make sure you tell your GP or other healthcare
professional looking after you. They will take this into
account when assessing your treatment.
They may decide to go ahead with the X-ray or to postpone
it until pregnancy is confirmed when the situation can be
reviewed again. |
