As a married adult
female, I think about pregnancy and the field I have chosen. When my husband
and I are ready to start a family, will it be safe? Radiation is known to cause
cancer, what will it do to my fetus? I have learned so much about radiation
protection that I know that when the time comes, my baby will be strong and
healthy. I know these things, but other women may not know about radiation and
the potential risks of pregnancy during a radiographic exam.
What is Radiation?
Radiation is a form of energy. It can travel through
space and items. There are two types of radiation: nonionizing and ionizing
radiation. Ionizing radiation is all around us today. It comes in forms such as
alpha particles, which cannot penetrate a piece of paper, beta particles, which
can only penetrate a few inches, and gamma rays. The last form of ionizing
radiation is known as x-rays. Today, we create x-rays but accelerating
electrons and suddenly stopping them. This creates the x-ray that can then go
through your body and create an image. This image is known as a radiograph, which
your doctor can look at, “read”, and then diagnose many illnesses from broken
bones to obstructed bowels.
However, there are risks involved with receiving penetrating
x-rays. When ionizing radiation interacts with cells, it will knock an electron
out of orbit. A free electron will typically find a new orbit and balance is
restored. Occasionally the interaction creates a free radical that will create
a new substance and all is well. When the free electron or free radical is lost
in your body without finding a new home, it can cause cellular damage. When this
damage occurs, your cells can get out of control. With cells out of control, a
person can develop cancers, including leukemia, anemia, and hair loss.[1] These
effects typically occur with high doses of ionizing radiation.
When a woman goes into a radiology lab for an examination,
she will be asked if she may be pregnant. All radiologic technologists will ask
because certain precautions must be taken if a woman is pregnant. In training,
we learn that the embryo/fetus is more susceptible to ionizing radiation. If a
fetus is exposed in utero, a spontaneous abortion may occur. If the exposed
fetus makes it to term, the resultant child may have congenital defects, risk
of malignant disease, or genetic abnormalities.
Although we know that an embryo/fetus is susceptible, we
also know that there are ways to protect an expectant mother and her fetus from
excessive radiation. When asked, the mother should respond honestly. If the
part that will be imaged is an extremity, chest, or skull, the technologist
will be able to add extra lead shielding to the abdominal area to protect the
fetus. If the doctor has ordered a pelvic exam, the technologist should call
the referring physician and ask if the exam should be done even though the patient
is pregnant. Many times, the doctor will wait until after birth to do the
examination. If it is a serious illness that requires the radiograph, the
doctor should discuss the potential risks and benefits with the patient. If the
procedure is to continue on an abdomen or pelvis, the technologist can make
adjustments. These adjustments include fewer images and minimizing the field of
radiation to reduce the radiation dose to the patient.[2]
I know the risks involved with the
career I have chosen, and the potential harm on my unborn children. But I have
also learned how to properly protect myself and my future fetus from radiation.
I also know how to protect an expectant mother who needs an image taken. I hope
that education of the process will help alleviate fear and stigma of how
horrible radiation is for a person. Never be afraid to ask questions about the
exam you are to receive.
