Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 3/12/2007

Question
I underwent a brest augmentation using general anesthesia about 2 months ago.  I later found out, at the beginning of March, that I am pregnant.  Which means that I was pregnant wothout my knowledge when I underwent surgery.  What are the risks of this pregnancy or to the fetus and the probability of miscarriage?

Answer
The first question is "Did you have it under local or general anesthesia". Most anesthesiologists will do a urine prgnancy test before any procedure on a woman of child bearing years so I find it hard to believe that this was not done. If this wasn't done AND you were pregnant at the time of surgery AND you had general anesthesia, then there is some risk to the fetus. The greatest risk to the fetus is during the first 8-12 weeks during which organogensis takes place (organ development). If the above events did happen, I would let your OB know so that they can be aware of this when they do ultrasounds, etc.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston