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20 July 2008

Answer to Question #564 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Exposures not directly to embryo/fetus

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

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.

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. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to email me personally:

Genevieve Roessler, Editor,
Health Physics Society Web Site.

Answer posted on 18 December 2000. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.