Exposure to X-rays is a major concern in pregnancy, both for doctors and patients, since high radiation is harmful to the fetus, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, and can cause birth defects. Therefore, we tell you everything you need to know about X-rays and pregnancy.
Before undergoing any X-ray test you should tell the doctor that you are pregnant or that you could be. In each case, the need to perform an x-ray or other alternative test to avoid possible damage to the baby will be evaluated.
The risk of X-rays in pregnancy
X-rays are high frequency radiation which can alter the structure of cell molecules. They are not only harmful to the mother, but also to the baby. They can cause cell death or alterations in the formation of gametes, in cell multiplication or affect the implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
The damage that x-rays can cause in the baby they will depend on the dose and the time of exposure to the radiation, as well as the part of the irradiated body.
For the tranquility of pregnant women, the exhibitions by Common diagnostic procedures do not represent a significant increase in risk which has the general population for congenital defects, between 3% and 6%.
In fact, according to the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) doses absorbed by the fetus below 100 milliGy (mGy) are not enough to terminate a pregnancy, while fetal doses in diagnostic radiology are usually less than 50 mGy.
To give you an idea, a fetal dose of 100 mGy would not be likely to be achieved with three pelvic computed radiography (CT) exams, or with 20 conventional radiodiagnostic studies of the abdomen or pelvis.
The most critical period is the first two or three after conception, when the woman probably does not know she is pregnant. Therefore, if you assume that you could be the most advisable thing is to postpone the radiography, unless it is absolutely necessary and from parts far away from the abdomen, which you should also protect.
If there is no other option, what you should know
When a patient who has to undergo radiation is pregnant, she should be evaluated if it is really necessary or it can be avoided or replaced by another less aggressive test that does not use ionizing radiation, such as an ultrasound.
If the doctor determines that it is completely necessary, there is a procedure that must be followed to minimize the risk to the baby. The radiologist will determine if the fetus would be under the primary x-ray beam. If not, the risk to the fetus will be extremely low and it will be in charge of irradiating the minimum possible dose to obtain a correct diagnosis.
When it comes to radiographs of areas far away from the fetus (chest, skull or limbs), these can be done safely at any time during pregnancy, but the pregnant woman must protect the abdomen with a leaded apron.
If the fetus is in the direct beam and the radiography cannot be delayed until the end of pregnancy, the doctor must evaluate each case and inform the pregnant woman of possible risks, depending on the stage of pregnancy, the woman's problem and the dose that would require study. For example, if it is a single plain abdominal x-ray, with a low dose or other type of high dose test.
X-rays are a risk for the pregnant womanThey also have a cumulative effect. Therefore, they should try to avoid or postpone, and only when it is strictly necessary to perform an x-ray while pregnant, adequately protect themselves and evaluate with the medical team the possible reach on the baby.
