Are X-Rays Safe While Pregnant? Yes, Tell the Dentist

X-Rays in Pregnancy: Dental and Diagnostic Imaging

Short answer

Usually yes when clinically needed. ACOG says the radiation dose from most diagnostic imaging, including dental and chest x-rays, is far below the level associated with harm to a fetus. Tell the radiographer or dentist you are pregnant so the exposure can be planned.

Tell the team, most doses are low

X-Rays in pregnancy: how to think about it

ACOG guidance on diagnostic imaging during pregnancy states that x-ray, CT and nuclear medicine imaging techniques are associated with radiation doses that, at the levels used in diagnostic imaging, are not linked to fetal harm, and that concern about radiation should not prevent medically indicated tests. The doses involved in dental and chest x-rays are very small, and the area imaged is far from the uterus. CT of the abdomen or pelvis delivers a higher dose and is the case where a specific risk and benefit conversation makes sense. Ultrasound and MRI do not use ionising radiation and are often preferred where they would answer the clinical question. Separately, ACOG oral health guidance says dental treatment, including necessary x-rays, should not be postponed during pregnancy, because untreated dental infection carries risks of its own.

X-Rays: safer choices

Telling the dentist, radiographer or doctor that you are pregnant before any imaging, so they can choose the test and use shielding where it helps.
Having a dental x-ray when it is clinically needed. ACOG oral health guidance says dental care including x-rays can be done during pregnancy, and dental problems left untreated carry their own risks.
Having necessary diagnostic imaging rather than delaying a test that would change your care. ACOG guidance is explicit that concern about radiation should not prevent medically indicated imaging.
Asking whether ultrasound or MRI could answer the same question, since neither uses ionising radiation.

X-Rays: what to avoid or double-check

Do not decline a medically necessary scan out of fear alone. Ask what the test is for and what the alternative would be, then decide with the clinician.
Avoid repeated imaging that is not clinically indicated, which is good practice in or out of pregnancy.
Do not assume all imaging is equivalent. A CT of the abdomen or pelvis delivers a much higher dose than a dental or chest x-ray, so it warrants a specific conversation.
Do not have contrast agents without mentioning pregnancy, since gadolinium in particular is used more cautiously.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama reads product labels rather than imaging requests, so for this topic the useful step is telling your clinician you are pregnant. SafeMama can help with related items such as dental products, painkillers and antibiotics that may follow treatment.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Are x-rays safe during pregnancy?

ACOG says the radiation dose from most diagnostic imaging is far below the level associated with fetal harm, and that concern about radiation should not prevent a medically indicated test. Always tell the team you are pregnant.

Can I have a dental x-ray while pregnant?

Yes when it is needed. ACOG oral health guidance says dental care including x-rays can be carried out during pregnancy. Tell the dentist you are pregnant so they can plan the exposure.

Is a CT scan different from an ordinary x-ray?

Yes. A CT of the abdomen or pelvis delivers a considerably higher dose than a dental or chest x-ray. It can still be the right test, but it deserves a specific conversation about why it is needed.

What about MRI and ultrasound?

Neither uses ionising radiation, which is why they are often preferred in pregnancy where they can answer the same clinical question. Gadolinium contrast is used more cautiously and should be discussed.

I had an x-ray before I knew I was pregnant.

This is common and, at typical diagnostic doses, not a reason to expect harm. Tell your midwife or doctor what the scan was and when, so it can be noted and you can ask any questions.

Should I ask for a lead apron?

Shielding is used in some settings. Practice has changed in recent years and some bodies no longer recommend routine fetal shielding for certain exams. Ask the radiographer what they do and why.

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