Q: Are there alternatives to x-rays during pregnancy?

A: Frequently there are alternatives to an x-ray. Depending on what your
doctor wants to look at you can have an ultrasound examination instead
of an x-ray.

Ultrasound, which is also called sonography, is the best alternative to an x-ray. Your doctor will use ultrasound if possible. No harm to an unborn baby has ever been reported from ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (often called MRI) is safe to use after the first trimester of pregnancy. Both of these methods can be used sometimes instead of x-rays. Although ultrasound and MRI are used if possible, sometimes an x-ray is your doctor's best or only choice for properly treating you.

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