I am a 29 year old pregnant woman. My doctor suspects that I have bronchitis and suggested to have a chest x-ray. Is a chest x-ray safe for pregnant women?
Generally we want to avoid radiation during pregnancy. However if it is necessary to have a Xray during pregnancy then use one of those lead aprons that the technicians are wearing to protect the abdomen and baby.
Typically precautions are taken in the form of an iron cover which keeps the vast majority any of the radiation from reaching your unborn child.
However, routine CXR is not typically indicated for bronchitis. If he is worried you have developing pneumonia, that would certainly be cause for the CXR
It is preferred not to X-ray pregnant women due to the slight risk to the fetus, not the mother. Risk is small. If the X-ray results will change therapy significantly, then it would be worth the risk, but typically can treat without.
Yes
Chest X-rays are generally safe even during pregnancy as long as you are protecting the baby. Make sure to inform the X-ray technician so they can place a lead gown/shield over your belly to protect the baby from any X-ray exposure.
Navdeep Kaur, MD
We typically don't order the X-ray unless we suspect pneumonia. I am guessing your doctor is concerned about possible pneumonia. We typically limit both X-rays and antibiotics (and most other medications) in pregnant women due to concerns about possible toxicities to the baby. To answer your question, an X-ray is a question of "risk" versus "benefit." It is not risk
free, but it might be necessary. You need to ask your doctor if you are not sure. Typically, if a chest X-ray is necessary during pregnancy, they do use a lead shield to protect the baby. It is always mandatory to let X-ray technicians know that you are pregnant.