The increased risk of getting x-rays during pregnancy is related to the chances of causing genetic defects in the fetus, which can result in illness or malformation. However, this problem is rare because a very high amount of radiation is required to cause changes in the fetus.
Generally, the maximum recommended radiation during gestation is 5 rads, which is the unit used to measure the amount of radiation absorbed, because from this value the fetus may undergo changes.
However, most exams that use X-ray are far from reaching the maximum value, as shown in the following table:
| X-ray type | Radiation amount of the exam | How many x-rays can the pregnant woman do? |
| X-ray of the mouth | 0.01 millirads * | 500 thousand |
| Chest X-ray | 60 millirads * | 83 |
| Abdominal X-ray | 290 millirads * | 17 |
| Computed tomography | 800 millirads * | 6 |
1000 millirads = 1 rad
Thus, the pregnant woman can make an X-ray whenever it is recommended, however, it is advised to inform the doctor about the pregnancy, so that the apron of lead used for protection against radiation is correctly positioned in the belly of the pregnant woman.
Is it dangerous to have X-rays without knowing that you are pregnant?
In cases where the woman did not know she was pregnant and had an x-ray, the examination is not dangerous either, even at the beginning of gestation when the embryo is developing.
However, it is recommended that as soon as the woman discovers the pregnancy, the woman should inform the obstetrician about the number of exams she has taken, so that the amount of radiation already absorbed is calculated, avoiding that during the rest of the pregnancy she receives more than 5 rads .
