Answer to Question #105 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

My wife had an abdominal x ray (over the uterus area) for lower back pain, without any lead/protection apron, when she was about three to four weeks pregnant (after two weeks of conception). She did not know at that time that she was pregnant. What is the effect of this radiation on the fetus and will the baby suffer any health hazard when it grows up? Has there been any study and conclusive results on the effects of x rays on the fetus? When asked, the radiologist who took the x ray said the dosage was about 500 millirems. We hear that the radiation on three to four weeks of fetus causes leukemia and other health problems sooner or later in the child’s life, and we are very concerned. Your early response is appreciated. Thanks in advance for your advice.

A

This question was posed to our "Ask the Expert" feature. We recommended that the person call our expert in radiation exposures during pregnancy. We asked the person to supply our expert with the time during pregnancy of the x-ray exposures and the estimated dose. Following is the response we got later from the person who submitted the question. Gen Roessler, Editor HPS website "I had the opportunity to talk to your expert today over the phone. He was very courteous in answering my questions. He asked the details of the x-ray exposure, the date when it was taken, and other related details about the procedure. I told him the details and gave him the dose of radiation (about 450 millirems). Your expert explained to me that the added risk to the pregnancy at this dose is very insignificant compared to other day-to-day exposures to radiation and other risks. My wife and I are very relieved to have had his counseling and explanations. We take this opportunity to thank your expert for his time and advise. We are also thankful to you and the HPS for your wonderful service to mankind." Name Withheld by Request