“Is a CT Scan safe during pregnancy?”
My daughter in law is 4 months pregnant and is suffering from frequent headaches. The doctor has advised a CT scan for her. However, I am worried if the radiation from the scan can harm the baby.
7 Answers
RadiologistCTScans
MRI of the brain without contrast is imaging modality of choice for evaluation of chronic headache during pregnancy. Present data have not conclusively documented any deleterious effects of MRI at 1.5-3 Tesla strength on the developing fetus.
CT scan of the head is preferred over MRI in emergency situations, such as acute head trauma, acute stroke, hemorrhage, or severe headaches with suspected aneurysm.
CT scan of the head is preferred over MRI in emergency situations, such as acute head trauma, acute stroke, hemorrhage, or severe headaches with suspected aneurysm.
First, since she is out of the most sensitive period of the first trimester of her pregnancy, the chance of any negative effect is extremely small. Second, since I assume you are talking about a CT of her brain, her abdomen and pelvis will not be within the scanners direct X-rays and any radiation to the abdomen or pelvis would be what's known as scatter, and would be a small amount. Bottom line, it is considered to be very safe.
Dear parent,
The amount of radiation can be decreased by having the patient's abdomen and pelvis wrapped in lead aprons during the CT scan. The amount of radiation is different on different CT scans (less in newer CT scans and more in older CT scans). The amount of radiation is less harmful to a 4-month-old fetus than to a 1- or 2-month-old fetus. Everything is relative and the health of the mother is a big issue here, if the mother is having significant headaches. Please discuss further risks and benefits with your physician or local radiologist where you will have the CT.
The amount of radiation can be decreased by having the patient's abdomen and pelvis wrapped in lead aprons during the CT scan. The amount of radiation is different on different CT scans (less in newer CT scans and more in older CT scans). The amount of radiation is less harmful to a 4-month-old fetus than to a 1- or 2-month-old fetus. Everything is relative and the health of the mother is a big issue here, if the mother is having significant headaches. Please discuss further risks and benefits with your physician or local radiologist where you will have the CT.
A CT scan of the head is considered safe during pregnancy because the dose to the abdomen, pelvis, and fetus is negligible. MRI of the brain could be performed as an alternative exam.
Regards,
Donald Massee, MD
Regards,
Donald Massee, MD
A CT scan of the head of course puts out a fair degree of radiation but your daughter can be totally wrapped in the lead from the abdomen down and even chest if she wants. This will shield the unborn from most radiation. I’m sure that her doctor has thought of this. Any reputable outpatient or inpatient imaging group will do everything they can to minimize radiation to the unborn. Safe, is a loaded question. The safety of the mother must also be taken into account.
It's okay if you shield the abdomen with a lead drape. MRI is safer.