The American College ofObstetricians and GynecologistsWOMEN’S HEALTH CARE PHYSICIANSCOMMITTEE OPINIONNumber 656 • February 2025(Replaces Committee Opinion Number 299, September 2025)Committee on Obstetric PracticeThis document is endorsed by the American College of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. This Committee Opinion was developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Obstetric Practice. Member contributors included Joshua Copel, MD; Yasser El-Sayed, MD; R. Phillips Heine, MD; and Kurt R. Wharton, MD. This document reflects emerging clinical and scientific advances as of the date issued and is subject to change. The information should not be construed as dictating an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed.Guidelines for Diagnostic Imaging During Pregnancy and LactationABSTRACT: Imaging studies are important adjuncts in the diagnostic evaluation of acute and chronic condi-tions. However, confusion about the safety of these modalities for pregnant and lactating women and their infants often results in unnecessary avoidance of useful diagnostic tests or the unnecessary interruption of breastfeeding. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are not associated with risk and are the imaging techniques of choice for the pregnant patient, but they should be used prudently and only when use is expected to answer a relevant clinical question or otherwise provide medical benefit to the patient. With few exceptions, radiation exposure through radiography, computed tomography scan, or nuclear medicine imaging techniques is at a dose much lower than the exposure associated with fetal harm. If these techniques are necessary in addition to ul...
