| A Family Approach to Photos |
|
|
Your Photo Albums: Edit Albums Upload New Pictures |
|
|
| Pregnancy |
|
Get Weekly Updates on your Child E-Mailed to You
|
| Are x-rays safe during pregnancy? |
|
Not all x-rays are the same, but most expose the uterus to minimal radiation and, therefore, harm. Before deciding to have any x-ray, it is advised that you speak to your pre-natal care doctor and weigh out if an x-ray is the best option for your current health situation. It is not recommended that you have routine x-rays during pregnancy; however, if one is needed to improve the health of the mother, it should not cause any problems. For example, if an x-ray is needed to assist in the evaluation of a root canal, it may be considered safe. Additionally, the benefits of having the root canal while you are pregnant may outweigh any associated risks, as without the dental work, an infection could result, potentially causing greater harm to the fetus. Nevertheless, it is advised if you are having an x-ray that two lead shields be placed over your abdomen. It is also important to note that medical x-rays do not increase the risk that an unborn baby will be born with a birth defect. However, due to the radiation exposure, there have been studies that have shown a small increased risk of leukemia in an unborn baby. Therefore, it is best to discuss any x-ray with your pre-natal care doctor. |
| What if an x-ray was done before the mother knew she was pregnant? |
|
If a woman has had an x-ray prior to finding out she is pregnant, the best course of action is to discuss the x-ray with the pre-natal doctor. The risk of radiation exposure to the unborn baby is so minimal that the doctor may decide that no extra precautions be taken. However, if the risk seems to be high, a radiation physicist can calculate how much radiation the fetus was exposed to. |
| Alternatives to an x-ray |
|
In some cases, either an ultrasound or MRI can be used instead of an x-ray to treat a pregnant patient. Ultrasound (also referred to as sonography) uses high frequency sound waves to look at organs inside the body. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to look at the inner structures of the body. Neither ultrasound nor MRI exposes a pregnant woman's body to radiation. |
| Ask Your Own Question |
 Ask a Question |
|
| Give a Suggestion Contact edHelperBaby |
| Note: All information on edHelperBaby is of a general nature for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Your use of this site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. |