Chest X Ray During Pregnancy First Trimester
A chest X-ray during the first trimester of pregnancy can be conducted for a number of reasons. A chest X-ray uses an X-ray beam of energy and is taken inside a machine called an X-ray tube. This X-ray beam is then absorbed in varying degrees by the different body tissues and structures, creating an image on special X-ray film or on a fluoroscopic image receptor.
The primary benefits to a pregnant woman of having a chest X-ray during the first trimester of pregnancy are:
- To assess the health of the pregnant patient, who may be experiencing symptoms such as pain and difficulty in breathing, fever or chest infection.
- To diagnose potential lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
- To detect and diagnose abnormal growths and abnormal tissue masses in the lungs such as tumors.
- To locate foreign objects such as objects swallowed by the pregnant patient.
- To evaluate the structure, size, and shape of the heart and its internal chambers.
- To diagnose diseases of the liver, lymph nodes, vascular system, bone, and other organs.
- To study the spine and chest wall.
The majority of evidence suggests that an X-ray during the first trimester of pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects in the baby. However, due to the possible, though largely unlikely, risks to the baby of an X-ray, it is important for an expecting mother to be informed about this procedure and to carefully consider if an X-ray is truly necessary. Women should also be aware that because of the effects of X-ray radiation on the body, a chest X-ray should never be performed during pregnancy if it is not medically necessary or if no other option is available.
Conclusion
A chest X-ray during the first trimester of pregnancy can be used to diagnose a number of potential health issues in the woman. While the majority of studies suggest that X-ray radiation during this time is unlikely to cause any harm to the baby, pregnant women should always discuss the risks and benefits of undergoing the procedure with their doctor and weigh the potential risks versus the potential benefit. In addition, X-rays should only be performed in cases of medical necessity or when no other option is available.
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