Key Statements on Diagnostic Imaging Modalities During Pregnancy

X-ray imaging

“No single diagnostic procedure results in a radiation dose that threatens the well-being of the   developing embryo and fetus.“— American College of Radiology

“[Fetal] risk is considered to be negligible at 5 rad or less when compared to the other risks of   pregnancy, and the risk of malformations is significantly increased above control levels only at doses above 15 rad.”— National Council on Radiation Protection

“Women should be counseled that x-ray exposure from a single diagnostic procedure does not result in harmful fetal effects. Specifically, exposure to less than 5 rad has not been associated with an increase in fetal anomalies or pregnancy loss.”— American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist

Magnetic resonance imaging

“Although there have been no documented adverse fetal effects reported, the National Radiological Protection Board arbitrarily advises against its use in the first trimester.”— American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and National Radiological Protection Board

Ultrasound imaging

“There have been no reports of documented adverse fetal effects for diagnostic ultrasound procedures, including duplex Doppler imaging.” “There are no contraindications to ultrasound procedures during pregnancy, and this modality has largely replaced x-ray as the primary method of fetal imaging during pregnancy.”— American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists