Any radiologists/radiographers for advice please???

[crabby]

Have just found out I am 4 weeks pregnant. I am a health care professional and a week ago assisted with a looporgam on a baby. Am just wondering what the risks at 3 weeks pregnant and prolonged exposure to x-rays for the loopogram are?? I was wearing a full lead apron, but am now terrified.

Please help and advise! Thank you,

C
x

[lostinwales]

I'm a radiographer and still went to do mobile theatre proceedures during my pregnancys as that was considered ok by the radiation protection team. Should be fine with a lead apron on but make sure you let them know and they will be able to reassure you as the dose to the patient will be recorded. tbh, this happens to all radiographers before they know they're pg and our children seem to turn out as normal as everyone elses!

[crabby]

Thank you so much for that response. I suppose it was just because it was like a barium enema kind of dose that I got worried. Who should I speak to in the hospital?

Thanks again,

[lostinwales]

I would go up to the x-ray department in question as they will have the records for that procedure, or phone up and ask to speak to a radiographer, they will understand your concerns. Don't panic if they want to document everything, you know what the NHS is like for writing everything down. I don't know what equipment was used in you case but generaly there is lead shielding to ensure the radiation stays in the focused area and modern equipment means the dose is much lower than it used to be, also screening the patient (the real time pictures) carries a much reduced dose to that for the actual 'x-rays' that produce static pictures.

I have been screening patients myself, ie actually standing at the equipment and guiding it, for whole sessions before I knew I was pregnant with all three of my sons and they are gorgeous IMHO . If it was going to be a major problem they certainly wouldn't let so many young fertile women do the job.

[lostinwales]

Sorry just re read your OP. I notice the procedure was on a baby too, so tiny dose there they are very particular about radiation and small children. I saw on your profile you live in East Anglia, what hospital was it if you don't mind me asking, I trained round there. just 'cos I haven't used the halloween smileys and it'll be too late soon!

[sh77]

Hi
I am not a radiographer and so hope you don't mind me responding.

In my previous pregnancy, I had to have CT scan on my brain at 38 weeks. I was petrified about the radiation issue but every single professional assured me that the risks were tiny with the lead apron on. It doesn't answer your question but just wanted to share my experience.