Recent research has suggested a possible link between CT scans before conception and an increased risk of pregnancy loss or congenital anomalies. A/Prof Alex Polyakov notes that while these findings are statistically detectable in large datasets, the differences are modest and may not be clinically meaningful for individual patients. He also highlights that many women who undergo CT scans have pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension or smoking, which themselves can increase pregnancy risks. “Overall, the findings should not discourage appropriate CT imaging,” says Polyakov.
