Anyone had clots in the lungs when pregnant

[2020wish]

I’m currently suspected and being treated for pulmonary embolisms (clots in the lung). Has anyone else and how did u deal with them wanting to do X-ray, CT scans and VQ scans. I’m 11 weeks pregnant and so far I’ve refused a CT scan as they told me there is higher risk to baby Depending cancer due for their cells not completely finished forming

They then came back and said I can go for a VQ scan which is safer in pregnancy. Now upon reading up on it it’s saying I need to breath in radiation and it’s actually worse for Baby than CT but lower risk for me developing breast cancer due to breast being more sensitive in pregnancy

Has anyone else been in this situation and how did u get through it?

I’ve had 3 loses before this pregnancy so so worried about doing best for this baby

I had a PE straight after having my baby. I did have an MRI and a bunch of horrible drugs during pregnancy for a different issue. My son is absolutely fine.

Your safety is important and if you die the baby has no chance, so let the medical professionals treat you. They weigh up risks and take it seriously.

Thank you for replying. Did u have a contrast agent for ur mri? It’s the radiation risk I’m concerned about in the VQ scan and CT. I know an mri can be generally safe unless a contrast agent is used x

Not quite the same, but im currently being treated for suspected clot in my leg. Have a scan on it today but they havent said what kind, i just assumed it would be ultrasound. No advice, just youre not alone. Hope youre ok

@Hatepickinganame hopefully they will just do ultrasound for u. That’s what they are doing on my legs to reduce risk x

They can often do a ventilation (V) scan without the perfusion (Q) part - and so avoid the contrast. Ask them what their plans are. If you have very suggestive symptoms then one or the other scan is very important - I wouldn’t want to take blood thinners all pregnancy without a proven clot, equally I wouldn’t want to miss treating a pulmonary embolism.
Ultimately yes there might be very small risks to baby or to your breast tissue - but those risks don’t matter if you die or become very unwell from a blood clot. Take whatever recommendation the doctors make.
Also yes - leg scans are done by ultrasound.