Three weeks ago I had an X-Ray and yesterday I found out that I am pregnant.?

Question

I had a car accident in August and my docotor sent to do to an X-ray for my neck and my back. I did not know that I am pregnent and I had about 6 or 8 shots. Now I am going crazy about the baby, we tried to get pregnat for a long time and now I have no idea what will happen.

Thanks and God bless.

Answer 1

The following is from a website which has questions answered by qualified medical personel who are experts in radiation and it's effects. Here is what I found:

Regarding your neck:

"One table that references the Food and Drug Administration
shows that there is no measurable dose to a baby for x rays around the head area. Another reference (Wagner, et al.) shows that a baby could receive a 50 mrem maximum dose from cervical spine x rays. Even considering the maximum of 50 mrem, the dose is small and is unlikely to cause any harm. The lowest dose to an unborn child documented as
causing biological effects is approximately 6,000 mrad."

http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q899.html

Regarding your back:

"QUESTION: My last period was on 17 February. On the 13th day (1 March) I had two x rays of my back taken. Now I know that I'm pregnant. The last intercourse was on the 12th day (28 February). Now I'm in a panic. Will there be any problem? Do I need to abort? My doctor told me it won't be a problem but if I'm not convinced, get it aborted. Please give me advice. Now I'm tense and I can't even sleep or eat properly. Please give me a reply at the earliest.
ANSWER: I am sorry that you are so upset about the x-ray exposure during your early stage of pregnancy. Your physician's advice is most likely correct and let me tell you why. It would have been better if the radiology department had given you the actual exposure so we could more
accurately evaluate it; however, the radiation exposure from two back x rays will most likely be far below the exposure that can produce birth defects or a miscarriage. The other positive point is that you were in the very early stages of pregnancy, during a period when the embryo is less susceptible to the malforming effects of radiation. Both these
factors allow me to tell you that your baby is not at increased risk for reproductive effects. Of course you realize that even healthy women without reproductive problems have a background risk of 3% for birth defects and 15% for miscarriage."

http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q2513.html

Also, very early in pregnancy, there is an "all or none" phenomenon. This means that the radiation will either cause a miscarriage, before you even know you are pregnant, or the fetus will have no ill effects from the radiation. Please talk to your OB/GYN about your concerns. Your doctor will surely be able to reassure you better than anyone else! Best wishes.....

EDIT: I also found this question and answer. It is regarding a x-ray exam which has a higher dose than the studies you had, and it still says there is no reason to worry.

http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q3839.html

Answer 2

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, x-rays are generally safe during pregnancy, but there is quite a bit of controversy surrounding this issue. Studies have been conflicting, and therefore x-rays should only be done when the benefits outweigh the risks. X-rays can give your health care provider important and even life saving information about numerous medical conditions. Like many things, x-rays can have risks as well as benefits.

Not all x-rays are the same, but most pose little exposure to the uterus and developing fetus. With dental x-rays there is hardly any exposure to any part of the body except the teeth.

X-ray examinations on the arms, legs, or chest do not expose your reproductive organs to the direct beam. However, x-rays of the torso, such as the abdomen, stomach, pelvis, lower back and kidneys, have a greater chance of exposure to the uterus.

It is always important that you let the healthcare provider know that you are pregnant if you might need an x-ray.

What are the chances that my baby will have an adverse effect if I had x-rays during pregnancy?
According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus. Some common diagnostic procedures include dental, chest, CT scan (head/chest), and abdominal view.

**Always let your health care provider know that you are pregnant. hope I have been of some help! Good luck with your baby! Am sure everything will be alright... Dont worry..Just try to remember which body part was x rayed so you can ascertain the damage. But the looks of it, I think modern x rays are pretty safe.

Answer 3

Stop worrying!!!! We see lots of women in the ER who Iam sure are in such early stages of pregnancy that they don't know yet. If the techs were good, even if they were doing your head and neck they should have been putting an apron across your belly. IF they didnt someone at that hospital's Xray dept needs to know that. You will make yourself sick if you worry about this the whole pregnancy and I think constant worry will be worse for your unborn baby than the xrays you had. Just believe that the good Lord will take care of you and that long awaited baby and they can do some further testing in utero down the way a bit. If you think about all the women who get xrays and don't know they are pregnant yet....talk to your OB doctor for some statistics,but as much as you've done to get pregnant, just believe the best is gonna happen for you!
Best of luck to you!

Answer 4

Honey, don't you worry. I had a car accident & had an x-ray of my neck when I was early pregnant with my 1st daughter. In addition, I was 6 months pregnant & hospitalized for the flu with my 2nd daughter & had a chest x-ray & CT scan - tons of radiation there. Both my babies were okay. They are 3 & 5 years old now & totally normal, smart & beautiful. Your baby will be fine! Congrats & good luck, Mommy!

Answer 5

hey :)
this is a suggestion, not a perfect answer. but i hope that it will be useful.
anw,
actually your question is quite vague.
you mentioned that you had about 6 to 8 shots and had a car accident, but you didnt mention anything about your child, even whether it is affected or not.

however, since you and your partner longed for a child, why not accept the great news that you are pregnant now?
you can search the net on websites that suggests how to prepare for your child to arrive to the world. or perhaps, you can also join some clubs that can give you useful advices.

from your question, i can see that you are a christian. why not go to a church, or even your church, if you have one? they will be more than happy to help.

God bless you and your child too!

Answer 6

One X-ray will not harm your baby. Multiple X-rays over the months would, however.
As for the shots, what type were they?

Answer 7

Call your obgyn/midwife or the doctor that treated you and tell them that your concerned that this may affect the babies health and ask them if there is anything you sound be worried about. Ask them for an appointment too.

Answer 8

Before you work yourself up into frenzy, please ring the department where you had your Xrays, explain your fears and ask to speak to one of the Radiologists. (The Doc who is expert in Radiography). Have your dates handy.

If you can't speak to the Radiologist, then make an appointment with your GP.

God Bless you and your baby. I do hope all is ok.

Answer 9

Don't worry. It's your worry that will cause more danger, not the X-ray.

Answer 10

just pray to the lord that your baby is all right prayers make miracles trust me..10 points for that..