I had an x-ray done on the 13th and found out today that i am pregnant, will this in any way harm the foetus?

Question

I need medical answers please. If it will affect the unborn foetus, what is my best option? I've not been able to get pregnant for 7 years until now.

Answer 1

The website I provided below has many questions and answers that are very specific regarding radiation exposure and pregnancy. All questions are answered my qualified medical personnel. Your exposure is much different for an abdominal CT scan versus a hand x-ray, for example.

Here is a sample of the types of questions and answers you can find at the website provided:

"Q: I had a chest x ray and found out that I was pregnant a couple of days later. What are my risks? I am concerned since the physicians are telling me I am at risk. Please help. They make it sound scary.

A: X rays of the chest result in minimal, if any, exposure to the unborn baby. This is because the x-ray beam is highly collimated and only the chest region is exposed. Accordingly, health risks to the unborn child because of x-ray exposure in your case are minimal and should not be a cause of alarm or concern. Nonetheless, your doctor should be told that you did receive a chest x ray so that he/she may be fully aware of all medical tests done during your pregnancy.

Kenneth L. Mossman, Ph.D.
Past President, Health Physics Society"

Answer 2

"I had an X ray series at the dentist's before I found out I was pregnant. Could this have hurt my baby?

Routine dental X-rays are usually put off until after delivery if a woman is known to be pregnant - just to be on the extra safe side. But having had dental X rays before you found out you were pregnant is nothing to worry about. First of all, dental X rays are directed far from your uterus. Second, a lead apron shields the uterus and the baby effectively from any radiation. Determining the safety of other types of X rays during pregnancy is more complicated, but it is clear that diagnostic X rays rarely pose a threat to the embryo or fetus. Three factors affect whether or not radiation from X rays might be harmful.

1. The amount of radiation: Severe damage to the embryo or fetus occurs only at very high doses (50 to 250 rads). No damage appears to occur at doses lower than 10 rads. Since modern X ray equipment rarely delivers more than 5 rads during a typical diagnostic exam, such exams should not present a problem in pregnancy.

2. When the exposure occurs: Even at high doses, there appears to be no risk of damage to the embryo before implantation (the sixth to eighth day postconception). There is a somewhat great risk during the period of early development of a baby's organs (the third and fourth weeks after conception), and some continued risk of damage to the central nervous system throughout pregnancy. But again, only at very high doses.

3. Whether there is actual exposure of the uterus. Today's X -ray equipement is able to pinpoint precisely the area that needs to be viewed, which protects the rest of the body from radiation exposure. Most X rays can be done with the mother's abdomen and plevis - and thus the uterus - shieled by a lead apron. But even an abdominal X-ray is unlikely to be hazardous, since it practically never delivers more than 10 rads.

Of course, it still isn't wise to take unneccessary risks, no matter how small, so it's usually recommended that elective X-rays be postponed until after delivery. Necessary risks are another matter. Since the likelihood of damage to the fetus from any X ray exposure is slight, the health of the expectant mother shouldn't be endangered by putting off an X-ray procedure that is genuinely needed. Observing the following guidelines can minimise the already minimal hazards of X-ray during pregnancy.

Always inform the doctor ordering the X-ray and the technician performing it that you are pregnant.

Do not have an X ray if a safer diagnostic procedure can be used instead.

If an X-ray is necessary, be certain that it's done in a licensed of regularly inspected facility. Equipment should be up-to-date, in good condition and operated by well-trained, consiencious technicians, underthe supervision of a full-time radiologist. The X ray equipment sould, when possible be directed so that only the minimum area necessary is exposed to radiationl the uterus should be shielded with a lead apron.

Follow the technician's directions precisely, being especially careful not to move while he or she is taking the picture, so retakes won't be needed.

Most important, if you've had an X-ray or need an X-ray, don't waste your time worrying about the possible consequences. Your baby is in more danger when you forget to buckle your seatbelt"

Answer 3

yes it will hurt the baby. u know ur suposed to tell tham if there is any possible way that u can be pregnant and thay will do a test first also depending on how bad it will hurt the baby also depends on what thay took an x-ray of on u

Answer 4

First, you should inform your provider of your condition or the possibility that you may be pregnant. Your provider will then determine if the x-ray exam is still indicated and if so, may instruct the technologist to add additional shielding and/or to abbreviate the exammination.

Answer 5

Congratulations! I am sure this is worrisome, but unless it was your abdomen that was Xrayed, the chances that exposure to radiation have harmed your baby are quite small. Xrays are not directed at the baby itself, and exposure is minimal. If your abdomen was Xrayed, there is more exposure, but the odds are definitely in your favor even in that case.

Answer 6

It depends on how far along you are and what type of x-rays you had done but check with your doctor.

Answer 7

if you believe the 13th is bad luck ok , for me 13 is a good number the mysts of bad luck i dont believe, for you your pregnant thats wonderful

Answer 8

no this will not affect your fetus just don't have anymore xrays now that your baby is growing!

Answer 9

depends how long youve been pregnant

Answer 10

it's fetus....and you should ask you doctor if you are truly concerned.