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Can I do X-rays during pregnancy?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Millions of books have been written about what can and can not be done at all stages of pregnancy. But nowhere is it definitely written out, is it possible to do x-rays during pregnancy? This question still remains relevant. Doctors can not and to this day give an unambiguous and clear answer. So still, is X-ray diagnosis shown to pregnant women? We will try to answer all questions that worry future mothers.
What do pregnant women need to know about x-rays?
Careful parents begin to follow the state of health of their baby, even from the conception stage. They undergo a thorough examination, give a lot of tests, undergo certain procedures before they have a baby. But in modern medicine doctors try to resort to x-rays extremely rarely. And it concerns not only pregnant women, but all patients in general. Remember, radiation in any case is not useful.
Unit of measurement of X-rays - rad. In terms of numbers, 10 rad can seriously harm a toddler in the womb. But, fortunately, not one device gives more than five rad. But do not forget that there is an ancient equipment still military times, capable of causing you serious harm. Of course, it should be avoided. Fortunately, such "exhibits" can be found extremely rarely in state medical institutions. So, before the research, be sure to ask the doctor for the term of the device.
Is there a risk for the child?
It is safe to say that by making an X-ray, the health of the child will be in jeopardy, it is not necessary. A pregnant woman can not worry about the health of her baby if she has been prescribed an X-ray of the tooth or a fluorography. In total, you will have to make more than 100,000 similar shots to get radiation at 1 rad. After all, the radiation in these studies does not exceed 0.01 rad. But, for example, about X-ray pictures of the urinary or digestive systems will have to be forgotten. The radiation here is too great. It can cause serious harm to the fetus and cause a lot of pathologies in the baby.
Arguments "against" X-ray study
But one can not ignore the fact that the organisms with dividing cells are most harmful in X-rays. And, as is known, at all stages of pregnancy in the future mother inside there is a division of cells of all tissues and organs. So why risk it? Better, of course, to abandon the X-ray. Moreover, even doctors have the right to insist on X-ray examination only if you are in an extremely difficult condition, dangerous for your life or want to terminate a pregnancy. So, try to answer the question yourself, is it possible to do x-rays during pregnancy?
In addition, in the first trimester of pregnancy and does not want to abandon the radiographic study. Scientists have proved that in the early term, this procedure is dangerous. It can cause a lot of various dangerous pathologies in the fetus.
[What if I still need an X-ray?
Undoubtedly, if a future mother broke her arm or leg, doctors will insist on X-ray examination. The first thing you need to do in this case is to alert the medical staff about your situation. They will conduct a thorough screening with this procedure, which will reduce irradiation. If after the X-ray you are worried, then make the ultrasound of the fetus and all organs, which is shown already at the 12th week of pregnancy, it will show whether everything is normal with your baby.
What if you made an X-ray without knowing your situation?
Another important question that worries many mothers. What if you made an X-ray without knowing that you are pregnant? In this case, it is necessary to carefully calculate the time in which it was then arrived. If the study was conducted before the anticipated menstrual cycle, then you can not worry about the health of the fetus. If not, then you need to undergo a medical examination, during which doctors will find out if X-rays have harmed you and your baby.
X-ray during lactation
This question is of concern to many. Do X-rays affect the breast milk? Some inexperienced mummies claim that by making an X-ray, you can forget about the natural feeding of the baby by the breast. I want to assure you that this is not so. This study does not affect the quality, composition or other qualities of breast milk in any way. So during lactation, moms, without fear, can do X-rays of absolutely any parts of the body. Do not doubt, this health problem will not arise.
On whether to undergo X-ray examinations during pregnancy, decide for yourself, without forgetting to consult with the treating doctors. Now you have all the necessary information about whether it is possible to do x-rays during pregnancy.