Can I be irradiated during pregnancy/breastfeeding?

Yes, you can be exposed to radiation during pregnancy, but if you are receiving phototherapy during pregnancy, ask your doctor about taking a folic acid supplement. Both narrowband and broadband UVB radiation can deplete folic acid in your body. Folic acid deficiency during the first trimester increases the risk of birth defects affecting the brain, spine and spinal cord.

Two types of phototherapy can be used during breastfeeding, narrowband UVB and broadband UVB. There are no reports of UVB phototherapy harming the baby while the mother is breastfeeding.