Back x-rays/radiation exposure to fetus

marisah

Hi. ?This is my first time posting here ... not really sure if this is the appropriate forum or not. ?I found out that I am unexpectedly pregnant two days after having a full set of x rays of my back taken at the chiropractor. ?I have 6 in all, 2 were of the neck area, 2 of the upper back but 2 were of the pelvis/lower back area. ?Of course I have contacted my OBGYN and even faxed over the information from the chiropractor's estimated dose but I cannot speak with him until later this week and I am really freaking out. ?I have googled WAY too much and most information sounds like the risk is low but I was hoping to hear from someone with personal experience.If ?If you think there is a better place to post this let me know. ?Thanks!

LaraL07

I bet you are freaking out! I know I would but try to relax b/c most likely things will be okay... Don't blame yourself b/c you didnt even know you were preg. So best of luck to you dear and try not to worry too much. Not good for your body!

Christyc328

I am an x-ray tech.  If they shielded you during the first four that didn't involve your lower back, you are more than ok.  I worked in cases without knowing I was pregnant both times.  Babies are great.  CT is much worse as far as radiation dose goes.  Also, keep in mind there is a lot of radiation in our everyday life. GL

orthomom

Don't freak out. I am an orthopedic surgeon and I have plenty of friends and colleagues who were radiated during the surgical procedures that we do before they found out they were pregnant. No one had any problems.   Those surgical procedures often involve several minutes of radiation.  When they do your neck xrays and upper back xrays usually the tech will cover your pelvis with a lead apron and only remove the apron for those shots that it would obscure the view (pelvis, low back). Did they do this?  Even if they didn't I still wouldn't worry.  This happens all the time.  Many people even have xrays and CT scans when they are pregnant and know that they are because they need those xrays for emergency reasons. Those people/babies do fine, too.

marisah

EEk! ?They did not put a shield on me for any part of the x rays. ?I figure that the 4 upper x rays were not aimed at a critical area but those bottom two lumbar/pelvis is what is freaking me out. ?I have been reading a lot of information that says it will likely be OK ... but I will feel so much better when I talk to the OB later this week. ?This is an unexpted but welcome pregnancy, I have two children already and wanted more but was waiting for my husband to finish law school. ?Thanks for all of the info! ?it does make me feel better to hear about others stories that had good outcomes. : )

orthomom

I am sure it will be fine.  It will freak out the chiropractor that your husband is going to law school!! LOL!

The nice thing about very early pregnancies is that the fetus has remarkable ability to repair itself. That is why stem cells are so important to research.  The radiation dose was low compared to a CT scan.  It should be fine.  You will know soon anyway. Once you have your ultrasounds they will be able to see how the fetus looks. But this does happen ALL the time and with xrays only the vast majority do well.