Q&A: Should I get a chest x-ray?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

I am three months pregnant and have just tested positive for TB. One doctor tells me to get a chest X-ray to be sure, another one tells me never to have an X-ray while pregnant. Since I am from South America, they both tell me that the test results might just be a reaction to one of my childhood inoculations. Should I get the X-ray and what are the effects to the baby?

You've got to take care of Mom first, or the baby will suffer too. TB is a very serious disease, so get the X-Ray. That's the proper next step for a positive reaction to the test. Just ask for an abdominal shield to protect the baby from X-Ray exposure.

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