What are the chances that my baby will have a deformity if I have x-rays during pregnancy?
The chances that your baby will come out with a deformity due to x-rays are very small. The doses used in common diagnostic x-rays are no where near high enough to cause birth defects. Five rads is believed to be the minimum exposure compatible with significant fetal risks. The estimated exposure of x-rays include: • Dental: less that 0.02 rads Hip film -0.02 rads • Chest x-rays (two views): 0.02-0.07 rads Mammogram -0.02 rads • Abdominal view: 0.10 rads CT scan head/chest -1 rad • IVP: less than 1 rad CT scan pelvimetry -0.25 rads *Always let your doctor and dentist know that you are pregnant. *If the doctor says that you must have x-rays despite the fact that you are pregnant, trust them to make the best choice for you and your baby.
