Eating for two

Which Medical Imaging Services Are Safe While You're Pregnant?

24 October 2018

Louis Stone

Pregnancy is a time that comes with both joy and anxiety. While you look forward to welcoming your baby into the world, you also spend a few months doing what you can to protect them. In a healthy pregnancy, the medical imaging service you're most likely to encounter is an ultrasound scan. However, for mums-to-be who are facing ultrasounds and those who may need to use other types of imaging, it's often reassuring to know which ones are safe.

Ultrasounds

It's widely accepted by most that ultrasound is the safest medical imaging to use during pregnancy. It works by sending soundwaves to the target it is trying to image. The echoing waves then return to the transponder before undergoing instant data processing that produces an image on a screen.

It's thought that ultrasounds pose the least harm as they don't rely on thermal technologies to obtain an image. As a result, they won't interfere with developing cells during crucial stages of your pregnancy. 

Although the medical world only has a few decades of research to depend on, so far there is no evidence suggesting that 3D ultrasounds are harmful. You may seek out a 3D ultrasound to get an idea of what your baby looks like. Their primary difference is that they send the soundwaves at a higher frequency, allowing for a clearer picture.

X-rays in emergency situations

Whether you encounter an ankle injury or you're paying a visit to your dentist, they're likely to ask you if you're pregnant if you're female and of reproductive age. According to the American Pregnancy Association, not all x-rays will cause harm. Providing they don't expose your reproductive organs directly to the beam, they're safe.

However, it's only necessary to have an x-ray during pregnancy when the clinical benefits outweigh the very minimal risks. Some, such as CT scans, deliver more x-rays than others. Depending on the nature of the situation, a radiologist will assess the risk versus benefits with an obstetrician before offering you the option.

MRIs while pregnant

Although MRIs aren't a routine medical imaging service to use while pregnant, your obstetrician might request one if they want to take a closer look at your baby. Or, if you're cared for by another specialty, they may decide that an MRI is necessary to continue providing you with the best care.

Like ultrasounds, MRIs don't depend on thermal energy to gain their images. Instead, they use radio waves that interact with the hydrogen in your body's cells to gain a detailed image. While most pregnant women won't need an MRI, it's worth knowing that they're safe.

If you're ever concerned about an imaging modality that someone wants to use during your pregnancy, always ask a relevant clinician for advice.

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