Finding out you’re pregnant comes with a wave of joy and a touch of caution. You become extra careful about everything you do, right from the food you eat to the medicines you take. But what happens if you find yourself needing a CT scan early in your pregnancy?
Suddenly, you’re wrapped in worry, wondering if it’s safe for the baby. This article separates the facts from the myths so you know what to expect and how to prepare for your scan.
What is a CT Scan?
Imagine having a high-tech camera that captures detailed images of your insides, showing everything from your bones to the tiny organ structures. This is what a CT scan looks similar to. CT is for Computed Tomography. Doctors use it more often now to get clear, outstanding images in vivo.
The CT scan is an action-packed version of an X-ray. While it’s undoubtful that traditional X-rays can still take great pics of your bones, CT scans are more powerful! It can blend several images from different angles to give an image of a cross-sectional view.
Imagine taking a look at a piece of bread inside a whole loaf. Your bones, blood vessels, organs and other tissues are fully shown in 3-D with a CT Scan! Amazing, right?
Why did my doctor recommend a CT Scan?
“Why do I need this?” Well, doctors don’t suggest tests just for the fun of it. There’s always a good reason behind it, and understanding why can make the whole thing feel less worrying. Here are some reasons your doctor turned to this high-tech helper:
- To check for specific conditions: If your doctor suspects you might have certain issues like a tumor, fibroids, blood clots or perhaps an internal injury, they would resort to a CT Scan to confirm it or simply rule it out.
- To get a much clearer picture: Sometimes what’s going on inside our bodies is a bit more of a puzzle. Symptoms like pain, chills, and headaches don’t tell the whole story. A CAT scan can provide detailed images of bones, organs, tissues and muscles to help solve the mystery.
- To guide treatment: Knowing the actual source of a problem and how big or deep it is can sometimes be the best way to treat it. Every so often, surgery is needed, and a CT scan guides the surgeon to the exact spot that needs attention.
- To see how well treatment is working: If you’re already getting treatment for a condition, then this can now and then be needed to show your doctor how your body is responding. Basically like checking on a project to see if you’re on the right track or need a little adjustment.
- In emergencies: If you’ve had an accident or are seriously unwell, a CAT scan can quickly offer more information to doctors about the cause of your issue, helping them act fast to provide needed support.
Most importantly, your doctor has suggested this because they believe that’s what can help them to care for you now. It’s normal to be nervous. Go ahead and talk to them. They’ll explain everything to you, from what to do as you approach the set date to helping you understand the why behind the what.
Can A CT Scan Affect Early Pregnancy?
Yes, undergoing a CT scan, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy can be disquieting. This is so because a CT Scan uses X-rays, which are a kind of radiation that can possibly hurt your developing baby.
Early in the pregnancy, your little one is developing really important parts, like organs and limbs, and radiation could pose a risk. It could interfere with that growth, although the risk is usually quite small.
But don’t worry just yet. If your doctor has suggested a CT scan, it’s because they think it’s important to take a closer look at whatever health issue they suspect.
They’re not going to put you and your baby at risk without good reason. They’ll carefully weigh the risks and benefits. Plus, they have a way of keeping the radiation dose mild, so rest assured, you’re safe!
How do I prepare for a CT Scan during early pregnancy?
Preparing for your scan be a little bit daunting but it’s mostly about ensuring you and your baby are safe. Here are some practical steps to help you prepare:
Inform the radiologists and technicians.
It is important to inform the radiologists and technicians that you’re heavy with a child before the scan starts. This is crucial as they may have to modify the method they use so as to protect your baby as much as they can.
It’s all about keeping you and your baby safe, so be sure to remind them, even if you think they already are aware. This helps the medical team take the best possible care of you during the process.
Follow the specific directions.
Your doctor might certainly give you special instructions to follow as you get ready for it. This might include drinking the contrast liquid prior to your scan, or avoiding drinking or eating for a few hours. These guidelines are necessary because they ensure you get the most accurate and helpful scan experience.
Wear Comfy Clothes
Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Doing so can make it much easier when you have to change into a hospital gown, or if it becomes necessary to position in specific ways for the scan. Being comfy is one major way to feel relaxed during the procedure.
Ask about Fasting
Before your CT scan during early pregnancy, don’t forget to ask your doctor if you need to fast, which means not eating or drinking anything for a certain period of time. It’s not always needed, but if it is, it’s usually to make sure the scan pictures are as clear as possible.
Bring someone for support.
The presence of a family or friend member around can help you feel more relaxed and less anxious. They could help you by driving and keeping you company and even conversing with you. Be aware that they may not be allowed into the scanner room; however, knowing that they’re there can be a huge help.
Be calm and relaxed.
Being anxious is normal, but staying calm can help to make the process easier. Techniques like breathing deeply and listening to relaxing music, or thinking of something relaxing can help. Not only does staying cool help you, but your radiologist benefits as well since you help them get clearer images.
Remember, your doctor thinks it’s necessary for your health. That’s why he proceeds to recommend it. Ask more questions and get the reassurance you need to feel easy with the process. Your medical team is always ready to support you.
Does CT scan affect future pregnancy?
A CT scan generally does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. Research indicates that the low radiation dose from CT scans does not cause sterilization or interfere with conceiving later on.
In fact, there is little to no risk of harm from the low doses of radiation used in this procedure, and it diminishes eventually after the scan. The radiation is only an issue if you underwent the imaging on your abdomen or pelvis during pregnancy.
If the scan is on a different part of the body, like the head or chest, and the baby isn’t in the field of view, then the risk is considered negligible. So, for future pregnancies and fertility, having a CT scan should not be a cause for worry.
FAQs
Don’t worry. It’s crucial to tell your physician immediately you learn that you’re expecting. They’ll probably assure you that the chance of harm to your baby is extremely minimal. They may also suggest aftercare to monitor and keep y’all safe.
Yes, doctors can suggest alternatives based on a couple of reasons, including why they need the imaging. Ultrasound is great especially during pregnancy because it uses sound waves instead of radiation to produce its images. MRI (also Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is fantastic too. This on the other hand doesn’t use radiation but can provide precise images.
What Happens If You Get CT Scan During Early Pregnancy? – Final Say
If you get a CT scan during early pregnancy, it’s super important to have a clear talk with your healthcare provider about it. While there’s a bit of radiation used in the scan, the professionals are pretty good at making sure it’s only used when truly needed and the benefits outweigh the risks.
Most of the time, A ct scan is very safe and unlikely to affect the baby or future pregnancies. Remember, you shouldn’t consistently ask questions to get the reassurance needed for a relaxing procedure.
