Imaging the pregnant patient: A uniform approach

Imaging of maternal complications of pregnancy is a diagnostic dilemma. Common patient complaints include pelvic pain, shortness of breath, headache, and back pain. Even the most astute physician may have difficulty determining the source of the problem based on history and physical examination alone. The anticipated dose of radiation to which the fetus may be exposed requires a uniform strategy using best practices including lowest practicable radiation dose at each institution and algorithms agreed upon by referring gynecologists and radiologists.