Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> Date: 2/11/2005 Subject: CT Scans, X-Rays during pregnancy
Question I am now approximately 10-11 weeks gestation. I was in the hospital on December 9, 2004, on which I was pregnant, but still not showing pregnant on a serum pregnancy test (that is how early I was) Therefore, I was given 3 CT Scans, along with contrast; I was given a HeartScan, along with radioisotopes; and I was given chest x-rays (about 2-3 of them); and head x-rays (about 2 of them). I was also given beta blockers (not sure which one), heparin, aspirin, nitroglycerin (IV drip for 2 days) They could not determine the cause of my tachycardia, but gave me 10 days of Ceftin for upper respiratory infection. I took the first dose via IV in the hospital, then the completed the round by mouth at home.
My question is: What is the risk that all of these exposures may cause fetal anomolies, etc. I have asked my personal GYN, but he is very pro-life and skirted around the issue because I told him specifically I wanted to know because I am considering abortion if the risk is high that there would be a problem. I want to spare the child. I need to know facts, please...Thank you.
Answer The antibiotics, heparin, and nitroglycerin were all safe for use in early pregnancy. We do not encourage the use of aspirin during pregnancy because it increases the risk of bleeding and causes premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the baby's heart. However, I cannot attest to the safety of the X-rays or CT scans in early pregnancy. Depending on the dosage of radiation, there may have been some chromosomal damage. HOwever, in early pregnancy, if there is damage due to radiation, it usually ends in miscarriage rather than some congenital abnormality. While it is not recommend to terminate a pregnancy just due to having these tests in early pregnancy, there is no way to know if any damage was done until the birth of the baby.
