Being pregnant doesn’t pause other health conditions. In fact, pregnancy often intensifies medical concerns, putting you at higher risk for blood clots, kidney infections, and gallstones. When these issues arise, your doctor may recommend diagnostic imaging to catch potential problems before they become serious.
We know the big question on your mind—Is this safe for my baby? Let us reassure you; most medical imaging can be performed safely during pregnancy when properly timed and administered.
The key is knowing which medical scan is the safest during pregnancy and when they’re truly necessary. Let’s explore your options so you can make confident decisions about your prenatal care.
Why Do Pregnant Women Need Medical Scans?
Medical scans serve two purposes during pregnancy. They protect your health and monitor your baby’s growth and development. Some scans are part of routine prenatal care, while others help diagnose unexpected pregnancy complications.
Common reasons for medical imaging include:
- Monitoring your baby’s growth
- Detecting potential pregnancy complications early
- Diagnosing conditions unrelated to pregnancy, like appendicitis or kidney stones
- Identifying the source of concerning symptoms, such as severe pain or unusual bleeding
- Checking the position of your baby, especially in late pregnancy
If you’re planning to conceive, consider addressing any existing health concerns beforehand. Getting a medical scan and treating issues early can help ensure a smoother pregnancy journey.
5 Types of Medical Scans and Their Safety
Let’s go over the common types of medical scans and see which medical scan is the safest for a pregnant woman.
1. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI scans use strong magnets and radio waves to take a detailed picture of the inside of your body. It doesn’t use any radiation and has no harmful effects. MRI scan shows the details that ultrasound can’t show clearly. If doctors suspect a serious condition like a stroke, an MRI is the safest advanced scan during pregnancy.
Common uses include:
- Brain and spinal cord evaluation
- Assessment of suspicious masses in the ovaries
- Detailed imaging of bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues
Is an MRI Safe During Pregnancy?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that MRI without contrast agent is generally safe throughout pregnancy.1
2. X-Ray
X-rays use a small amount of radiation to give images of the inner body. While a single X-ray poses a very low risk, it’s usually avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. It detects the following issues:
- Bone injuries, fractures, and deformities
- Dental problems
- Pneumonia and other lung issues
- Heart problems
- Tumors
Is an X-Ray Safe During Pregnancy?
X-rays involve minimal radiation exposure, but it’s still not the first choice during pregnancy.
3. CT Scan
CT scans (Computed Tomography) use X-rays to create detailed cross-section images of the body. Which means they expose your body to more radiation than a regular X-ray. That’s why they’re usually avoided during pregnancy. Its common uses include:
- Diagnosis: Diagnose cancer, heart disease, lung nodules, bone breaks, internal bleeding, and blood clots.
- Treatment planning: Help plan surgeries, radiation therapy, and other procedures.
- Monitoring: Monitor the progress of diseases and conditions, and how well treatments are working.
- Screening: Used as a screening tool to detect tumors or lesions.
- Biopsy guidance: Guide procedures like biopsies and needle aspirations.
Is a CT Scan Safe for Pregnancy?
CT scan isn’t the best option during pregnancy unless it’s a life-or-death situation.
4. PET Scan
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans use radioactive substances, which makes them a big no-no during pregnancy. It diagnoses and evaluates many conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Heart problems
- Neurological disorders
Should You Use PET Scan During Pregnancy?
PET scans involve too much radiation exposure, so it’s not safe during pregnancy.
5. Ultrasound – The Safest Option
If you’re confused, “What is the Safest Medical Scan?” The safest medical scan for a pregnant woman is an ultrasound. Unlike other imaging methods, ultrasound uses harmless sound waves instead of radiation to create images. This makes it the ideal choice for monitoring both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.
The process is gentle and non-invasive. A sonographer applies gel to your skin and moves a handheld device called a transducer over the area. The device sends sound waves into the body. The waves bounce back, creating real-time images of your internal organs and tissues, allowing doctors to:
- Checks fetal development and detects abnormalities
- Check placental position and health
- Examine organs like liver, kidneys, and gallbladder for problems
- Detect dangerous blood clots using Doppler ultrasound
- Find ovarian cysts, fibroids, or uterine issues.
Is Ultrasound Safe During Pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) confirms that ultrasound is the safe imaging method during pregnancy because it does not use ionizing radiation.2
How Pregnancy Ultrasound Helps
Pregnancy ultrasound is the standard tool for monitoring fetal development without risk. Doctors use it at different stages of pregnancy for various reasons such as:
- Early Pregnancy (First Trimester): An ultrasound confirms pregnancy, checks the baby’s heartbeat, and estimates the due date.
- Mid-Pregnancy (Second Trimester): A detailed anatomy scan looks at the baby’s organs, bones, and overall growth. This is when parents usually find out the baby’s gender.
- Late Pregnancy (Third Trimester): Check the baby’s position, monitor the placenta, and ensure there’s enough amniotic fluid.
- Emergency Situations: If there’s pain, bleeding, or concerns about the baby’s movement, ultrasound gives doctors a quick and safe way to assess what’s going on.
Medical Scans Ranked from Safe to Risky During Pregnancy
At the Fort Worth ER, we prioritize your safety during pregnancy by carefully selecting the most appropriate imaging method. Here’s how different medical scans rank in terms of safety:
- First Choice – Ultrasound: Safe at any stage of pregnancy, providing detailed images without radiation
- Second Choice – MRI: Used when ultrasound can’t provide clear enough images
- Limited Use – X-ray: Only when essential for diagnosis, using protective shielding
- Last Resort – CT Scan and PET Scan: Reserved for life-threatening emergencies where benefits outweigh risks
When radiation-based imaging becomes medically necessary, our emergency team takes extensive precautions to minimize exposure and protect both you and your baby. We use lead shields, adjust radiation doses, and limit the scan area to ensure maximum safety.
Bottom Line
When it comes to the safest medical scan during pregnancy, ultrasound stands as the safest medical scan, with MRI being the next best option when more detailed imaging is needed. While you may not always have the luxury of choosing your imaging method during an emergency, rest assured that your healthcare team carefully weighs the risks and benefits of each option.
At Fort Worth emergency room, we use the most advanced imaging technology and extensive safety protocols to protect both you and your developing baby.
FAQs
1. Can I have medical imaging if I’m pregnant?
Yes! If the benefits outweigh the small radiation risk, scans are safe during pregnancy. Just make sure to let your doctor or imaging technician know that you’re pregnant before the scan.
2. Is an MRI safe while pregnant?
Yes, MRIs are generally safe during pregnancy, but doctors usually avoid them in the first trimester as an extra precaution. Studies show that MRI exposure in pregnancy is not linked with birth defects or developmental issues in babies.
3. Can you take medication before a CT scan with contrast?
Yes, you can usually take your regular medication before a CT scan with contrast, unless your doctor says otherwise. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking. Also, let them know if you have any allergies. They’ll go over what’s safe for you.
