The question of whether to proceed with a procedure that imparts ionizing radiation to the fetus, rather than an alternative strategy, is a decision that should be based on each individual patient's clinical condition.

Most medical imaging studies produce fetal absorbed doses below those considered to pose a major risk.

We recommend, however, that alternative diagnostic imaging tests which do not involve ionizing radiation, e.g., sonography or MRI, be first considered in the care of pregnant patients.

It is possible that multiple diagnostic imaging exams, or radiotherapy procedures, performed during a particular fetal development period can produce higher risks.