Information for pregnant patients

Why I chose this topic. During my time on placement as an undergraduate student, I noticed a significant proportion of the women who attended an X-ray examination while pregnant were either unaware or had very little knowledge of the risks of radiation to their baby. These patients often exhibited unease and anxiety regarding their examination. Through my research, I have endeavoured to highlight the information needs of pregnant women in order to help improve the guidance given by radiographers. Ultimately, this research has also furthered my own understanding of the risks of radiation during pregnancy and helps to inform my practice as a newly qualified radiographer.

Ionising radiation is used to create diagnostic images. Radiation is absorbed by the human body and slightly increases the lifetime risk of developing cancer. The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R) 2017¹state that professionals must adequately inform...