Is it safe to get an x-ray if I'm pregnant?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen answered:To protect your baby from the toxic effects of radiation, you should avoid x-rays and other forms of radiation during pregnancy. Radiation alters the DNA of cells as they replicate, which is why it is used in cancer therapy (cancers reproduce faster than regular cells). Fetal cells reproduce the fastest and are the most susceptible to injury, which may lead to miscarriage or birth defects, or predispose your child to cancer later in life.
Find out more about this book: YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
To protect your baby from the toxic effects of radiation, you should avoid x-rays and other forms of radiation during pregnancy. Radiation alters the DNA of cells as they replicate, which is why it is used in cancer therapy (cancers reproduce faster... More -
Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:The developing embryo is much more sensitive to the effects of ionizing x-ray radiation than the adult patient. It is important then to notify the technologist, prior to any x-ray procedure, if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.The developing embryo is much more sensitive to the effects of ionizing x-ray radiation than the adult patient. It is important then to notify the technologist, prior to any x-ray procedure, if there is any possibility that you may be... More
