Are radiological examinations safe for pregnant women?
August 29, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Fanni Raab
Dear Radiologist,
My name is Tina Schönecker and I am currently in the 20th week of pregnancy. Over the past few weeks, I have noticed some health issues that are concerning me. My doctor has advised me to undergo a radiological examination to determine the exact cause of my symptoms.
However, I am worried about whether radiological examinations are safe for pregnant women. I have heard that radiation can be harmful, especially to the unborn child. I naturally want only the best for my baby and would never risk anything that could harm them.
Could you please provide me with more information on how safe radiological examinations are for pregnant women? Are there specific precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk to the child? Are there alternative examination methods that are equally effective but pose less risk?
I would be very grateful if you could help address my concerns and provide me with possible solutions or recommendations on how to best proceed in this situation.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Tina Schönecker
Dear Mrs. Schönecker,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a radiologist. First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that it is understandable that you are concerned and only want the best for your baby. The health of mother and child is of course the top priority.
When it comes to radiological examinations during pregnancy, it is important to know that many diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays or CT scans, are actually associated with some level of radiation exposure. This radiation can potentially be harmful to the unborn child, especially in the early months of pregnancy when the baby's organs are still developing.
However, there are certain radiological examinations that are considered safe during pregnancy. These include, for example, ultrasound examinations, which do not use any radiation and are therefore safe for both mother and child. Ultrasound is a safe and effective method for diagnosing a variety of conditions and diseases.
So if your doctor has suggested a radiological examination, you should first discuss with him what type of examination is to be performed and whether there are alternative methods that do not involve radiation. In some cases, it may also be possible to minimize radiation exposure for the unborn child by taking specific protective measures, such as targeted shielding of the abdominal area.
It is important that you openly discuss your concerns with your doctor and together find the best possible solution for your situation. Remember that your health and the health of your baby are top priorities and that there are always alternative examination methods that are safer if necessary.
I hope that this information can help you in your decision-making process. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Fanni Raab, Radiologist
