Pregnant women are particularly concerned for the safety of their unborn children. Because you are pregnant we want you to understand the possible effects radiation might have on your child. As you read this, please remember: There is risk involved with every pregnancy. A single X-ray exam does not add significantly to this risk. For there to be any effect from radiation the fetus (unborn child) must be in the direct beam. This only happens for certain kinds of exams. The fetus is not exposed during head CTs, chest X-rays, or mammograms. If the fetus is near the radiation, like for a chest CT, we can provide a lead apron for added protection.