Effects of Radiation on the Fetus

Effects on the fetus from routine radiological examinations are not evident.

If a pregnant woman is exposed to radiation during an examination, the dosage required to have an effect on the fetus is well understood. Use this figure to explain this to patients who require radiological examinations while pregnant. Regardless of the examination, the dosage is far below the threshold values for morphological abnormalities or mental retardation.
In addition, with respect to carcinogenic effects, there are any number of epidemiological studies with respect to atomic bomb survivors and patients who have received radiological examinations while pregnant. Regardless of the study, the results show no detectable increase in the risk of carcinogenesis from radiation, or an increase of less than 1 % (ICRP publ 84 Pregnancy and Medical Radiation).