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Answer to Question #2738 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Exposures not directly to embryo/fetus The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I am 11 weeks pregnant. A couple of days ago, I had a little accident riding my bike and hurt my left arm. I went to the doctor and he ordered x rays of my arm to check for any broken bones. The technician took three x rays and shielded me with a lead apron. Both the doctor and the technician assured me of the safety of the procedure. Nonetheless, I am very concerned about the risks for my baby since I am in my first trimester. I am worried about possible birth defects and future cancers. I appreciate any advice. Thank you!!
A
Thank you for your question. The risks to the baby are minimal, if any, when x rays are taken of areas other than the abdomen. This is because the x-ray beam is focused only on the area of interest to minimize doses to other areas of the body. When you receive a diagnostic x-ray study of your head, teeth, chest, arms, or legs at a qualified facility, the exposure of the x rays is not to your baby. The "scatter" that might reach the baby would be extremely small and would not represent an increased risk for birth defects or miscarriage. In this case, because they covered you with a lead apron, it is unlikely that any scatter would reach the baby.
For some additional information, you can visit the Web site titled "Prenatal Risk Assessment, Keeping Your Unborn Baby Healthy Through Prevention."
Kelly Classic
Certified Medical Health Physicist
Answer posted on 14 July 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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