Can pregnant women undergo radiological examinations?
February 15, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Nina Bergmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Jessica Koch and I am in the 12th week of pregnancy. I have never had to undergo radiological examinations in my life so far. However, I am experiencing severe abdominal pain and my doctor has advised me to undergo a radiological examination to determine the cause of my discomfort.
I am very concerned about whether it is safe for a pregnant woman to undergo a radiological examination. I have heard that exposure to radiation during pregnancy can be harmful to the unborn child. Therefore, I am wondering if there are specific precautions that can be taken during a radiological examination for pregnant women to minimize the risk to the baby.
I understand that in some cases it may be necessary to perform a radiological examination to make a diagnosis. However, I want to ensure that both my health and that of my unborn child are not put at risk. Are there alternative methods of examination that are safer during pregnancy? Or can radiological examinations be performed under certain conditions without endangering the child?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me and provide me with information on whether and under what circumstances pregnant women can undergo radiological examinations.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Jessica Koch
Dear Jessica Koch,
As a radiologist, I understand your concerns and worries regarding radiological examinations during pregnancy. It is important that both your health and that of your unborn child are protected. In fact, there are certain risks associated with radiation exposure during pregnancy that must be considered.
It is important to know that not all radiological examinations use the same amount of radiation. Some examinations, such as X-rays and CT scans, use ionizing radiation, which can be potentially harmful, especially during pregnancy. Other examinations, such as ultrasound and MRI, do not use ionizing radiation and are therefore considered safer for pregnant women.
If a radiological examination is unavoidable during pregnancy, certain precautions should be taken to minimize the risk to the unborn child. For example, lead aprons can be used to shield the abdominal area and reduce radiation exposure to the fetus. In addition, the radiation dose should be kept as low as possible to further reduce the risk.
In some cases, however, there may be alternative examination methods that should be preferred during pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations are usually the preferred imaging diagnostic method during pregnancy, as they do not use radiation and are considered safe for both mother and child. MRI examinations can also be considered, as they also do not use ionizing radiation.
It is important that you discuss your concerns with your treating physician and together decide which examination method is safest and most effective in your specific case. Your well-being and that of your unborn child are of utmost importance, and it is important that you feel well informed.
I hope that I could help you with this information and I am available for any further questions. Thank you for your trust.
Sincerely,
Nina Bergmann
