X-rays and pregnancy

LisaB85

Just out of curiosity really.

Yesterday I was taken to A&E with concussion as suspected broken hip/pelvis and when I went for my X-ray I had to sign a form to state there is no possibility of me being pregnant.

What was this for?
What would happen if a pregnant woman needed an X ray?

Nicki

If the x ray could be postponed or done without that's what they would do. Otherwise, if they could they would shield the uterus with a lead apron. It's unusual I think to x ray a pregnant woman unless it can be avoided just in case the radiation affects the foetus.

In the past when I have been TTC and needed an x ray, I have been asked to come back in the first half of my cycle to ensure not in early stages of pregnancy at the time.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

If it's an emergency, then they will xray regardless. But if it's not, then they delay, just in case the xrays cause harm to the foetus.


I had a pelvic x ray when 8 months pregnant. It was necessary, but why take the risk if it isn't strictly necessary? That's the reasoning they are using, anyhow.

LisaB85

Nicki wrote: »

If the x ray could be postponed or done without that's what they would do. Otherwise, if they could they would shield the uterus with a lead apron. It's unusual I think to x ray a pregnant woman unless it can be avoided just in case the radiation affects the foetus.

In the past when I have been TTC and needed an x ray, I have been asked to come back in the first half of my cycle to ensure not in early stages of pregnancy at the time.

TTC?

It is weird isn't it when you have an X ray you don't feel, hear or see anything but this powerful radiation is zapping you.

indebtinsussex

I think its to avoid causing unneccessary potential damage to the baby. I had to have one when I was seven months pregnant as I had a suspected blood clot on my lung and they wanted to ensure that everything was ok so I had a huge lead sheet put over my belly and everything was fine (well she was a complete pain in the a*se today but I cant blame that on the xray!)

the weirdest thing I thought about the xray was the stuff they inject into your hand which makes you feel like you've wet yourself (I hadnt honestly!)

Mely

I had a pelvic x-ray when i was 8 months pregnant and i had to wear a lead apron.

jackyann

It's just balancing risk. Part of that is that an Xray is much more harmful to a foetus in the very early stages of pregnancy than at 8 months.
Obviously there is a risk of any sexually active woman being pregnant in last half of her cycle - but again, the risk is much more likely if she uses no contraception (or is a bit slapdash about it) than if she is very careful about taking the Pill, has an IUD fitted, insists on a condom absolutely every time etc. etc.....
In some injuries there is a high risk of something worsening if it is not confirmed on Xray, in others, well, it would be nice to know, but you can make a good guess without one.
That's why an experienced practitioner makes a judgement call on the basis of all the information available.

Nicki

LisaB85 wrote: »

TTC?

.

Sorry. Actively trying to conceive.

thegirlintheattic

If an x-ray is medically needed and urgent, then it will be done with extra precautions taken to protect the baby (lead plates and the like).

You can also use things like ultra-sound or manual manipulation to diagnose some things you usually use x-rays for. They are less efficient but maybe used instead of x-rays in certain cases.

koalamummy

I know this may be of no help at all but the thought is there On discussing scans of my children with my mother she was ever so slightly bemused....apparently back in the early 1970's when she experienced her pregnancies x-rays of the baby were normal? All of her children were absolutely unharmed as a result of this....except maybe that we are all infinitely more calm than our mother

thegirlintheattic

Sounds about right koala - the risk to an unborn baby is very small from the level of radiation from even an abdominal x-ray. I think I was taught it would take something like 23 x-rays to reach the level where there is a proven significant increase in harm to the baby. However it's still a risk, and we know more know than we did in the 1970s, therefore it's best to avoid the risk as much as possible.

It's the same principle as you should have shielding over your genitals during an abdominal x-ray unless that would interfere with the view they want, and family are asked to wait outside during an x-ray. Just in case.