When a woman is pregnant, she and the baby become patient. Thus, the doctor needs to determine the medical needs before ordering tests and initiating any treatment.

Computed tomography, for example, may be requested in case of symptoms that need investigation before the baby is born. As this test uses radiation, it is important for the patient to be aware of the physician’s concerns and the type of information he seeks.

The amount of radiation used in CT never harmed a fetus; however, if the area examined is the abdomen or pelvis, there may be a very small risk of developing cancer as a child. This risk is not scientifically proven, but the technician responsible for the exam will decrease the dose whenever he is informed about a pregnancy.

Message for pregnant patients

If your doctor orders a CT scan to diagnose a serious or urgent illness, do not refuse. The most important factor in having a healthy baby is making sure you are healthy too – it depends on you to be healthy!

Source: Radiology.info for patients