Pregnant but my older child needs an X-ray

[jpclarke]

It's not really an AIBU but I am 11 weeks pregnant my 5.5 year old needs to have a chest X-ray as they suspect pneumonia, can I bring her? Will I be expected to stay in the room with her or could I just be with her? My dh has a course in work tomorrow and can't get time off.

You can take her but I doubt you'll be allowed in the room when she's x-rayed. I was not able to stay with one of my DC for an x-ray when I was similarly pregnant.
Good luck and hope your little one is ok.

I had an x-ray whilst pregnant and wore 2 lead aprons, they'll probably do the same or ask you to stand behind the screen with them

I was told to stand behind the screen when I took my 6yo DS recently and I'm not pregnant so I just thought that was the norm?

When I took my child I stood with the tech behind a lead screen. They didn’t ask if I was pregnant so I assume it was safe as they are usually so cautious about that sort of thing.

Normally they’d ask you to stand behind the screen. It’s very quick.
You might be given a lead apron.
Sounds like you have no option but to take her (my youngest had pneumonia at 4yo, it’s very worrying I really sympathise)
As long as the radiographers are aware of your pregnancy, I’m sure they’ll keep you all safe x

I'm too old to be pregnant now but I was given a lead apron to wear when I might have been pregnant and had to stay with DS when he had an x-ray.

Years ago they used to give pregnant women x-rays!

It's usually a room with a little screen off to the corner. The radiologists will take you behind the screen (if you are allowed in the room). The actual x ray part is just as quick as taking a picture, they will then check they have the right detail then retake if reqd.

Yes, you can take her, no problem.

You can be with her while they position her and the machine, then for the actual x-ray, which takes a second or two, you will be invited to go behind a screen with the radiographer, or possibly just around a corner.

If your DC gets very upset and it's hard to leave her, either a HCP in a lead coat will stay with her, or they may offer you a lead coat to stay with her if it's unavoidable.

Just be sure to tell everyone, specially the radiographer who takes the x-ray that you are pregnant.

My 2yo had to have an x-ray when I was in the early stages of pregnancy with DC2. I had to leave the room. Tell them you are pregnant and follow their advice.

We always have to fight to stay in the room with DD. Different places have different policies which is weird given it’s either a risk or it’s not!

Thank you all for your replies, have been in xrays with my other kids and had to wear the lovely heavy lead apron just wasn't sure if that was safe while pregnant. Hopefully she won't be too nervous, she had one last October for the same reason so hopefully she will be ok if I can't stay with her. Now to try and get somebody to mind the other dc!!

🤷🏻‍♀️ I had a few chest X-rays whilst pregnant due to my own medical issues. DD is just fine 😊

When ds2 had a broken arm I was pregnant with ds3. I wanted to go with him for his x-ray, forgetting I was 16 weeks pregnant, and suddenly realised just before they took it. Mentioned it and they said to stand behind a screen. It was safe and easier than having to fetch dh from wherever he and ds1 were in the hospital. Just remember to mention it to the staff member beforehand. Also, pregnant women have x-rays if necessary, it is just preferable to avoid unnecessary exposure if at all possible.

Whether they allow you to go in is up to hospital policy which may vary locally. If you DID have to go in (say she was upset or you needed to help get hwe in the right position) there are lead aprons as PP have said. As a one off it is not a huge amount of radiation and you'd be protected anyway. I used to be in operating theatres during my first pregnancy and just wore 2 lead aprons whilst they were using all their x-ray equipment almost every day for 6 months. DS is fine and has only one head!

I had to hold my daughter still and wore two lead aprons as I was pregnant. All I could think of was the gap at the top and the X-rays shooting down and hurting my baby!

I am studyong to ve a radiographer...the last pregnant mum came in the room but stood behind the lead screen whilst the radiographer sat wity the child. Migjt be an option.
Tbh if you wear leads you should be ok. Xrays are mostly harmful in the 1st and last 8 weeks of pregnancy and only if a certain dose is exceeded.

Got the X-ray taken no problem, just stood behind the screen and had my other dd with me and all was fine. Radiographer was very nice and brought her into seethe picture after, so I was stressed over nothing!! In and out in less than 20 mins