How does an X-RAY or Radiation affect an expectant mother ? What kind of Radiation levels and risks are there to the mother and the unborn ?
PS :- I dont know If should have posted it here or in Society forum, I think it is more appropriate here in Science & Tech, that’s why I am posting it here, If the mods think otherwise Please feel free to move to the appropriate Forum. Thanks.
Re: Pregnancy & Radiation
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*Originally posted by Asif_k: *
How does an X-RAY or Radiation affect an expectant mother ? What kind of Radiation levels and risks are there to the mother and the unborn ?
PS :- I dont know If should have posted it here or in Society forum, I think it is more appropriate here in Science & Tech, that's why I am posting it here, If the mods think otherwise Please feel free to move to the appropriate Forum. Thanks.
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Asif[K] X-ray is harmless...
As for radiation, can you be more specific??? Wesay I dont think the procedures used these days are harmful to the foetus in anyway...
Spock - Thanks for your response.
I think X-Ray is a form of Radiation given for diagnostic purposes and it may be harmful for the fetus.
What kind of Radiation do they give during X-RAYS to diagnose a disease and is it a threat to an expectant mother in case she needs to have an X-RAY taken for diagnostic purpose .
Is MRI dangerous during pregnancy ?
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*Originally posted by Asif_k: *
Spock - Thanks for your response.
I think X-Ray is a form of Radiation given for diagnostic purposes and it may be harmful for the fetus.
as you already said, that radiation is X-radiation. I'm not sure whether it is dangerous, but usually the dosages used during diagnostic strategies are well within the safe limit. (at least in Holland, don't know where ur from)
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2. Is MRI dangerous during pregnancy ?
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MRI is not dangerous.
Asif, my previous response was from a physics point of view, where we were told in alevels that x-rays (soft x-rays) are the last point of the electromagnetic spectrum, which can be considered safe for a low/shortened dosage… However, after reading your post, I did some reading, and I think you may be right… There are various researchers who have claimed it has some adverse affects on the development of the baby’s body. I mean if you think about it this way, the baby is undergoing swift development, and is very sensitive to any external factors… Here is an article that describes these external factors…
Here’s what it says about x-rays…
X-Rays
Exposure of the foetus to radiation, for example if the mother is given an x-ray without realising she is pregnant, may be harmful. In high doses, radiation can cause death of the foetus, malformation, mental impairment, growth retardation, cancer and genetic damage.
There is a risk of genetic mutations in the foetus’ developing sperm and egg cells, which could be passed on to a later generation. These conditions are extremely unlikely to occur with the relatively low doses used in most medical x-rays.
However, some tests, such as barium enema, pelvic computed tomography (CT) or abdominal CT, involve higher doses of radiation.
In the early stages of pregnancy (up to 3-4 weeks) the risks of death and malformation are highest.
Throughout pregnancy radiation may cause genetic mutations which increase the risk of cancer later in life.*