Ionizing radiation delivered and contrast media used during diagnostic imaging of pregnant women are major dilemma for gynecologists and radiologists. Because the overall risk of abnormality is negligible at doses received during diagnostic radiologic examinations, the radiologic examination can be performed cautiously if the mother is at risk and appropriate indications for an imaging examination exist. Termination of pregnancy is rarely justified because of the risk to the conceptus from a radiologic study. In this paper, the frequently asked questions concerning radiation dose and its potential risks to the conceptus (embryo or fetus) associated with different radiologic imaging modalities were reviewed.

Keywords: pregnancy, radiation, diagnostic imaging, fetal dose