X-rays are generally avoided in pregnancy because they use radiation — but a single diagnostic X-ray is considered low-risk, especially one away from the abdomen (like a chest or limb X-ray, which deliver a very small dose). Where an X-ray is genuinely needed, the benefit is weighed against the small risk, and the dose is kept low. Always tell staff you are, or might be, pregnant.
Key takeaways
- X-rays are generally avoided in pregnancy, but a single one is low-risk.
- X-rays away from the abdomen (chest, limbs) deliver a very small dose.
- Ultrasound or MRI is preferred where it can answer the question.
- Always tell staff you are, or might be, pregnant.
If you’re pregnant and have been asked to have an X-ray, the worry is understandable — but the risk is usually very small.
The general approach
Imaging that uses radiation, including X-ray, is generally avoided in pregnancy where possible.[2] Where a radiation-free test — ultrasound or MRI — can answer the question, it’s preferred.
A single X-ray is low-risk
Where an X-ray genuinely is needed, a single diagnostic X-ray is considered low-risk to the baby.[2] This is especially true of X-rays away from the abdomen — a chest or limb X-ray delivers a very small dose, and the baby is not in the direct beam. A chest X-ray, for example, is only about 0.1 mSv — roughly 10 days of natural background radiation, and a hand or foot X-ray is far less than that.[1]
Your doctor weighs the small radiation risk against the importance of the diagnosis — sometimes the bigger risk is not having the information.
What to do
Always tell the radiographer and your doctor that you are, or might be, pregnant — before booking and again on the day.[2] The team can confirm the X-ray is necessary, use the lowest dose, and focus the beam away from the baby where possible.
Frequently asked questions
I had an X-ray before I knew I was pregnant — should I worry?
A single diagnostic X-ray, particularly away from the abdomen, is considered low-risk. Tell your doctor, who can reassure you and advise — but the dose from one X-ray is small.[2]
Can I have a chest X-ray while pregnant?
If it’s needed, generally yes — a chest X-ray delivers a very small dose and the baby isn’t in the beam. Tell staff you’re pregnant so the dose can be minimised.[1]
What about a CT or X-ray of my abdomen or pelvis?
These give a higher dose closer to the baby, so they’re used more cautiously and only when the information is important. Even then, the doses used in diagnosis are generally well below levels linked to harm — your doctor discusses the specifics.[2]
Sources
- RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA & ACR) — Radiation Dose from X-Ray and CT Exams — www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/safety-xray
- RANZCR / InsideRadiology — Radiation risk of medical imaging — www.insideradiology.com.au/radiation-risk/
- RANZCR / InsideRadiology — Plain radiograph / X-ray — www.insideradiology.com.au/plain-radiograph-x-ray-hp/
