X-Ray during pregnancy?

What can happen if I am exposed to X-Rays when I am 16 weeks pregnant???

Usually nothing, if it is a one time exposure. Also, an x-ray of an area of your body, which is not at your pelvis (neck, knee or hand, for example) will not expose your unborn baby to much, if any, radiation.

The following website has questions answered by qualified personnel who are experts in radiation and it's effects. You can find detailed answers here:

http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/cat...

For example:

"QUESTION: I was admitted into the hospital and I am currently 13 weeks pregnant. The doctor took an x ray of my chest but they covered me with a lead jacket. I want to know the risk of this to the baby.
ANSWER: X rays of the chest result in minimal, if any, exposure to the unborn child because the x-ray beam is directed only at the chest region. Little, if any, radiation exposes the abdominal area. Health risks to the unborn child because of x-ray exposure in your case should not be a cause of alarm or concern."

Well it all depends really. You are past the stage of major organogenesis so thats a major plus. Also, it depends on what body part was x-rayed. If it was your foot, or head for instance, you probably didn't get any dose to your fetus, especially if a lead shield was used. If you know you are pregnant, TELL THE RADIOGRAPHER. It is always safer to be shielded. If the x-ray is of your abdomen or pelvis, the risk is a little higher, but with a radiographer who is trained well, and has to do no repeats, there is very little chance that any harm is done. However, always alert your doctor as well in case any other diagnostic tests can be run that don't involve radiation can be done instead,

A woman who is carrying a baby is unable to get an x-ray. I don't know what will happen if you do, but every woman who undergoes an x-ray(whether pregnant or not) is asked if they are pregnant.