Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 9/4/2008

Question
I just found out that i conceived my baby w week before I had a hernia repair surgery during which i received a general anesthesia. Can you please educate of any risks or concerns if any that i should be expecting. Please, i need help as i am very uneasy.

Thank you much.

Answer
They should have done a pregnancy test on you prior to surgery. If you have anesthesia during the first trimester, this is one of the most dangerous times because there is an increased risk of malformations (depending on the anesthetic). You should talk with your OB doc and have them talk with your anesthesiologist about what was used. This does not mean there will be a problem, just that there is an increased risk.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston