Ultrasounds are considered one of the safest tests to be used during pregnancy. An ultrasound is able to check the health of your baby and technicians can determine if any health risks are present. Although safe, ultrasounds are not able to always detect other problems, and a CT scan must be used instead. Before getting a CT scan done during pregnancy, it is a good idea to consider the risks and benefits.

Why Would a CT Scan Be Needed during Pregnancy?

CT scans are used to find underlying problems in the chest, head, stomach, and spine. Some common problems that doctors look for include:

• Tumors
• Blood clots
• Heart problems
• Fractures

Naturally, these would be in places where an ultrasound has already been attempted or has already been deemed unhelpful.

Biggest Benefit of a CT Scan during Pregnancy

The biggest benefit is being able to diagnose a condition that could result in injury to you or your child such as an infection or tumor.

If your doctors do not suspect a serious condition, a CT scan should be performed after the pregnancy to prevent any radiation exposure to the unborn baby.

Risks of a CT Scan during Pregnancy

One of the biggest risks of a CT scan is the exposure to radiation. During the scan, your unborn baby will receive some of the radiation.

According to the American College of Radiology, a single x-ray does not have enough radiation to significantly impact a fetus or embryo.

Many pregnant women have complained about the side effects associated with the dye that is used during the CT scan process. Some of the side effects include nausea, hives, and itching. It is possible for severe reactions to occur which lead to complications in breathing too.

When to Have a CT Scan during Pregnancy

The only time a CT scan should be performed during pregnancy is when the benefits of the scan will outweigh any of the risks involved. If you or your healthcare provider do not feel the scan is necessary or that it can wait, then wait.

A CT scan has a risk of causing cancer development in children when a pregnant mother undergoes a scan of their pelvis or stomach region. Although the risk is slight, many health professionals do not want to take that risk unless absolutely necessary.

Complicated and serious illnesses are better treated when caught early and for this reason, you may need to have a CT scan performed. Prior to having a CT scan, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor or a specialist (such as one from Modern Emergent Care).