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Answer to Question #580 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: Q
Will the baby be malformed or injured if the mother has a brain CT when
she is two weeks pregnant? Please help me and tell me the answer as
true as possible. My husband and I want to have a baby very much. But I
was pregnant before we prepared well for it. I took brain CT check
after I have been pregnant for two weeks (three weeks after the
beginning of last menses). I can't decide if we abandon the baby or
not. As you know each family only can have one baby in China. It is too
important for my husband and I. Thank you very much for your kindness.
A
Brain CT is not likely to result in exposure to the unborn child
because the radiation is directed only to the head. Therefore, the
likelihood that radiation exposure may be responsible for malformations
or birth defects is very unlikely. However, birth defects and other
untoward pregnancy outcomes may occur in the absence of radiation. In
the United States major birth defects occur at the rate of about 30
cases per 1,000 live births. Maternal health is also an important
factor in determining risks of pregnancy. You may wish to discuss your
pregnancy situation with your doctor in light of the reasons for brain
CT.
Ken Mossman, PhD
Answer posted on 28 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.
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