How does an X-ray damage unborn baby?

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, like visible light and microwaves. However, X-rays have much shorter wavelengths than visible light and can therefore penetrate matter more deeply. This makes them useful for medical imaging, as they can be used to see inside the body.

Unborn babies are more vulnerable to the effects of X-rays because their cells are still developing and dividing. Exposure to X-rays can damage these cells and lead to birth defects, including:

Microcephaly: A condition in which the baby's head is abnormally small

Mental retardation: A condition in which the baby's intellectual development is delayed

Cancer: X-rays can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including leukemia and thyroid cancer

The amount of damage caused by X-rays depends on the dose of radiation and the age of the fetus. The higher the dose of radiation, the greater the risk of damage. And the earlier in pregnancy the fetus is exposed to radiation, the greater the risk of damage.

For these reasons, it is important to avoid unnecessary X-rays during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of having an X-ray.

Here are some ways to reduce the risk of X-ray exposure to unborn babies:

* Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. This will help your doctor decide whether an X-ray is necessary and, if so, what precautions to take.

* Ask about the alternative imaging methods. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound are two imaging methods that do not use radiation. They are often safer for pregnant women than X-rays.

* If you must have an X-ray, ask about the dose of radiation. The lower the dose, the lower the risk of damage to your baby.

* Stay close to the X-ray machine during the procedure. This will help to minimize the amount of radiation exposure to your baby.

* Avoid unnecessary X-rays. This includes having dental X-rays taken unless they are absolutely necessary.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of X-ray exposure to your unborn baby.