Ionizing radiation can directly affect fetal development in
several ways. Radiation dose and the time of exposure are
critically important in the development of these effects. The
most sensitive cells to ionizing radiation are those that are
rapidly dividing or in the mitotic phase. Radiation can cause
fetal death or congenital anomalies, growth deficiencies or
several structural and/or functional development abnormalities.
In this review, the relationship between radiation and
pregnancy is evaluated in view of the recent literature.
Keywords: Fetus; pregnancy; ionizing radiation; radiotherapy
