Can You Have an X-Ray While Breastfeeding?

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By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Have an X-Ray While Breastfeeding?

Absolutely, you can have an X-ray while breastfeeding. Standard X-rays, like those for your chest, teeth, or limbs, don't affect breast milk 1 or the little one who's enjoying it. That's because these X-rays don't leave any radiation in your body.

However, for X-rays involving contrast agents, the tiny amount that might reach your milk-supply isn’t absorbed by your baby’s gut, according to a study published in Radiology in 2000. A common recommendation is to pump and discard breast milk for 24 hours after such X-rays just for added reassurance, but many experts now believe even this may be unnecessary 2 

So while X-rays might seem intimidating, they're actually pretty chill when it comes to breastfeeding. But like with anything health-related, it's always good to chat it out with your doctor first!

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. "X-Rays"Oct 31, 2018https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501445/.

  2. Jack Newman"Breastfeeding and radiologic procedures"National Library of Medicine, vol. 23, no. 4Apr 1, 2007https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1952588/.


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Updated on Dec 3, 2023

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Can You Have an X-Ray While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Have an X-Ray While Breastfeeding?

Absolutely, you can have an X-ray while breastfeeding. Standard X-rays, like those for your chest, teeth, or limbs, don't affect breast milk 1 or the little one who's enjoying it. That's because these X-rays don't leave any radiation in your body.

However, for X-rays involving contrast agents, the tiny amount that might reach your milk-supply isn’t absorbed by your baby’s gut, according to a study published in Radiology in 2000. A common recommendation is to pump and discard breast milk for 24 hours after such X-rays just for added reassurance, but many experts now believe even this may be unnecessary 2 

So while X-rays might seem intimidating, they're actually pretty chill when it comes to breastfeeding. But like with anything health-related, it's always good to chat it out with your doctor first!

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "X-Rays"Oct 31, 2018https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501445/.

  2. Jack Newman"Breastfeeding and radiologic procedures"National Library of Medicine, vol. 23, no. 4Apr 1, 2007https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1952588/.


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