QuestionI just found out that I'm pregnant from a home pregnancy test (which puts me at a minimum of 4 weeks) but I had a mammogram performed recently without knowing I was pregnant. Is this serious and what birth defects are associated with x-rays? Thank you in advance for your help.
AnswerDear Lisa,
Well, first, I would be interested in knowing when exactly the mammogram was. Here's why:
For example, if your LMP was 12/17 and you have regular 28 day cycles, you most likely conceived between approximately 12/29 - 1/1. If the mammo was done prior to those dates, there is absolutely no risk whatsoever. (Conception typically takes place approximately 14 days prior to when the next period is due.)
Now, if the mammo was done after the potential conception date, it would depend upon the amount of radiation used at the facility you went to for mammograms. More often than not, for baseline mammograms, the amount of radiation is less than that of a chest X-Ray and very, very little will go beyond the plate the breast is sitting on during the mammogram. However, you should contact your doctor AND the facility where it was done AND the radiologist specifically. I would recommend that you be a bit cautious of rushes to judgement - I do know there have been cases of women being initially encouraged to end pregnancies which ultimately ended up perfect.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and Happy MLK Day!
Brenda
