During the passage of multiple examinations and examinations in a pregnant woman, there may be a need for an additional study - X-ray. In this case, first of all, the question arises: how harmful are the x-rays to the future child, since the main task of the mother is to preserve the health of her baby.
The high sensitivity of the fetus to the effects of ionizing rays is due to the fact that they pass through cells that are in a state of division and destroy them from the inside. At the same time, proteins and nucleic acids are broken, DNA chains that carry genetic information are destroyed. As a result, nonviable and mutant cells appear, which in large numbers can provoke the development of anomalies and pathologies. X-rays during pregnancy are most dangerous in the early stages, when organs and tissues are laid. For example, in the first weeks, when the nervous system begins to be laid.
Possible risks of X-rays
The effects of X-rays during pregnancy depend on the dose of irradiation that the expectant mother received, and on what part of the body was irradiated. X-rays of the feet during pregnancy or X-rays of teeth during pregnancy do not bear direct risks to the reproductive organs of the future mother and the health of the child. More dangerous studies using pelvic x-ray, lower back and abdominal cavity, for example, lung X-rays during pregnancy. In appointing this study, the physician is guided by a comparison of the possible risks of the irradiation procedure and insufficient diagnosis. Uncertain illness can harm a woman and child much more than the effect of radiological rays.
One of the most common diseases, which is dangerous to X-rays during pregnancy, and whose development is associated with radiation, is leukemia.
Whether x-rays are harmful during pregnancy, it is unequivocally difficult to say. Modern technologies make it possible to use for research minimal dose of radiation, which is several times less than those used ten or fifteen years ago. X-rays in pregnancy should be avoided, but if the doctor, knowing about your pregnancy, assigns you this study, then you need to take it calmly. X-rays for pregnant women I use only in the most necessary cases. It is important to use acceptable protective measures to reduce the damage from the effects of ionizing rays.