Is it safe to have an X-ray while breastfeeding? Specifically, I’m concerned about the potential for radiation exposure to affect my breast milk and therefore my baby. What are the actual risks involved, and are there any precautions I should take before or after the X-ray to minimize any potential harm to my baby? Are there specific types of X-rays that are more or less concerning? Also, what do medical professionals typically recommend regarding breastfeeding after an X-ray – is it generally considered safe to continue breastfeeding immediately, or is there a waiting period advised? I’d like to understand the scientific basis for these recommendations.
Answer
Yes, it is generally considered safe to have an X-ray while breastfeeding.
X-rays use radiation to create images of the inside of the body. The radiation exposure from a standard X-ray is minimal and does not stay in the body. The radiation does not contaminate breast milk.
Breastfeeding mothers do not need to pump and discard breast milk after having an X-ray. They can continue breastfeeding as usual.
However, if a contrast dye is used during the X-ray, there may be different considerations. Some contrast dyes contain iodine or gadolinium. Small amounts of these substances may pass into breast milk. Most guidelines indicate that the amount is so minimal that it poses negligible risk to the infant.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) state that intravenous contrast agents are considered safe and compatible with breastfeeding. Discontinuing breastfeeding is not necessary after receiving such agents.
If a breastfeeding mother is concerned about the contrast dye, she can discuss her concerns with her doctor or radiologist. In some cases, alternative imaging techniques that do not require contrast dye may be available. As an extremely cautious measure, some mothers might choose to pump and discard their milk for 12-24 hours after contrast administration, although this is not typically advised.
The benefits of obtaining necessary medical imaging with or without contrast should be weighed against the minimal and theoretical risks.