Is it safe to take an X-Ray during pregnancy?

Short answer: If your doctor decides you need X-rays, it is better to get an X-ray.

There are no conclusive studies about whether/or how much the radiation in x-rays can affect your baby. Your doctor or a specialist will evaluate your need to get an x-ray. It is important that you inform your doctor about your pregnancy, before you undergo any x-ray.

If you have some complication and you really need an x-ray, then doctors take precautions (your abdomen might be covered by a special metallic vest). Remember in some cases not getting an x-ray can harm you more than it can harm your baby and a healthy mother means a healthy baby.

X-rays for different parts of the body are different, implying different levels of exposure to your baby

• X-ray examinations on the arms, legs, or chest have minimal risk of exposure to your reproductive organs and the baby.
• However, x-rays such as the abdomen, pelvis, lower back and kidneys, have a greater chance of exposure to the baby.
• Dental x-rays hardly expose any other part of the body except the teeth. Still, to be safe, dentists postpone dental x-rays until after childbirth and do these x-rays only when they are really necessary.