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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #896 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Inherited (genetic) effects

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I am now 30 years old and seven weeks pregnant. As a child (from ages three to about 13) I underwent numerous IVPs and VCUGs because I had urinary reflux. What type of effect may this exposure have on my future children? I am sorry I don't have a cumulative dose of radiation (this was in the early '70s at a small community hospital) I received.

Without knowledge of the cumulative radiation dose to the ovaries it is not possible to determine potential risks in any detail. However, studies of survivors of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki and their offspring suggest that there is little if any risk to your future children as a result of diagnostic x-ray procedures that you received many years ago. Nevertheless you should inform your physician of these radiation procedures (including dates and types of procedures if known) so that your medical history may be as complete as possible.

Kenneth L. Mossman, PhD
Professor of Health Physics Director
Office of Radiation Safety Arizona State University

Answer posted on 10 May 2001. The information and material posted on this website 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 Website. 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.