Tests to Avoid during Pregnancy

There is no known safe amount of radiation from X-ray tests for a developing fetus. The baby may be harmed by exposure. Avoid exposure to X-rays during pregnancy, unless it is an emergency. The medical need for the X-ray must always be weighed against its risk to your pregnancy. Discuss the procedure with your physician before any X-ray is taken during pregnancy. This warning also applies to dental X-rays.

Computerized tomographic scans, also called CT scans or CAT scans, are a specialized X-ray. The test involves the use of X-ray with computer analysis. Many researchers believe the amount of radiation received from a CT scan is far lower than that from a regular X-ray. However, it is probably wise to avoid even this amount of exposure, if possible.

If you are over 35, you may have had a baseline mammogram, or breast X-ray, which is usually repeated every 2 years after the age of 40. If you had a mammogram before pregnancy, you're ahead of the game. If not, don't have one until after your baby is born. Unless you have a good reason for undergoing the test, such as a breast lump, don't expose your developing baby to this type of radiation.

With radiation exams, risk to the fetus appears to be the greatest between 8 and 15 weeks of gestation (between the fetal age of 6 weeks and 13 weeks). Some physicians believe the only safe amount of radiation exposure for a fetus is no exposure.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic tool widely used today. No harmful effects have been reported from its use in pregnancy, but pregnant women are advised to avoid MRI during the 1st trimester of pregnancy; this does not include the new MR!.