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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #945 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Exposures to embryo/fetus

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

Twenty-five years ago (in my last stages of pregnancy) my obstetrician had x rays done because of the size of the baby (10-1/2 pounds). My son is now getting ready to get married and I have a concern about whether or not the x rays could have caused him any harm (fertility, etc.) My doctor told me at the time that it would not harm the baby because it was low dosage, but I am still concerned.

I presume the x-ray study was performed to determine if a vaginal birth was possible given the size of the baby. X-ray examinations of the pelvis for this reason usually involve very small doses. The only known health effects of in utero exposure from such small doses is an increased risk of childhood cancers, including leukemia. Decreased fertility, sterility, etc., have not been observed at small doses. Radiation causes sterility and reduced fertility only at doses several 100 times larger than the dose that you likely received. Kenneth L. Mossman Professor of Health Physics Director, Office of Radiation Safety

Answer posted on 31 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.