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Is It Safe to Get an X-Ray During Pregnancy? A Doctor Explains

ByShivangi Sarkar
Updated: 27 Aug 2026, 12:22 pm

X-rays use ionising radiation, which can understandably cause concern during pregnancy. However, a medically necessary diagnostic X-ray should not automatically be avoided. The potential risk depends on factors including the body area examined and radiation dose, while delaying essential diagnosis can also carry risks.

Pregatips
Finding out that an X-ray is needed during pregnancy can immediately raise questions about whether the radiation could affect the developing baby. While pregnancy does require additional consideration before imaging, avoiding an important diagnostic test is not always the safest option. We consulted Dr Manjeet Arora, Senior Clinical Director – Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, to understand better.
In this article:

Can an X-Ray Be Done During Pregnancy?

X-rays use ionising radiation, but the dose from routine diagnostic examinations is generally low. The FDA states that when an X-ray is medically necessary, the benefit of obtaining important diagnostic information may outweigh the potential radiation risk.


If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, always inform your doctor and the radiology team before having an X-ray.Dr Manjeet Arora, Senior Clinical Director – Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi

Dr Arora explains, “The important thing is not to delay essential medical care because of pregnancy.”

The amount of radiation reaching the developing baby also depends on the part of the body being examined. X-rays of areas such as the arms, legs, chest or head generally do not expose the baby to the direct X-ray beam, whereas imaging involving the abdomen or pelvis requires greater consideration.



What Precautions Are Taken?

Before an X-ray, pregnancy status should be disclosed to the doctor and radiology team. The imaging team can then determine whether the examination is necessary, whether another imaging method is suitable and how radiation exposure can be minimised.

Dr Arora says, “If an X-ray is necessary, the radiology team will use the lowest reasonable radiation dose needed to obtain the required images.”

When clinically appropriate, ultrasound or MRI may provide alternatives because they do not use ionising radiation. The FDA describes ultrasound as a non-ionising imaging method, while MRI is also generally preferred when it can adequately answer the clinical question.


What If an X-Ray Was Done Before Pregnancy Was Known?

An X-ray performed before pregnancy was recognised does not automatically mean that the baby has been harmed. The FDA advises that the possibility of harm from a routine X-ray is very small, although higher-dose or repeated exposures warrant medical assessment.

Dr Arora advises, “If you discover that you were pregnant after having an X-ray, do not in. Tell your obstetrician about the examination so they can assess the situation.”

An X-ray during pregnancy is not automatically prohibited. The decision should be based on the medical need, the area being examined and the expected radiation exposure, with appropriate precautions taken to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable.


FAQs For X-Ray Safety During Pregnancy

  1. Is an X-ray safe during pregnancy?
    A medically necessary X-ray can be performed during pregnancy when the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk, with radiation exposure minimised.
  2. What if I had an X-ray before knowing I was pregnant?
    A routine diagnostic X-ray does not automatically mean the baby has been harmed. The examination should be discussed with an obstetrician so the exposure can be assessed appropriately.