Early Pregnancy & Medical History: Seeking Information & Advice

Question
I am 36 years old and will be 37 when I deliver in September '05.  This is my third pregnancy -- I had one miscarriage in 1997, first child born in 1998, and am almost 13 weeks pregnant after seeing a specialist for 7 months.  I was taking Follistim and HcG injections.  When I was 4 weeks pregnant (and didn't know it), I had serious muscle strain and spasm in my neck and shoulder.  I was bleeding at the time and assumed it was my period again so I certainly didn't think I was pregnant.  They did numerous x-rays (unprotected) and I was taking pain killers and muscle relaxants.  Everything I read talks about the dangers of x-rays in the early weeks of a developing embryo and I am a nervous wreck!  The next week I learned at the specialist's office that I was pregnant -- 5 weeks according to his ultrasound.  Could those unprotected x-rays have done any harm, and if so, to what degree?  What sorts of things happen to the embryo when exposed to unprotected x-rays?   Thank you for your explanation as I am very concerned.  

Answer
Usually in very early gestation, X-rays will cause miscarriage but rarely will cause congenital defects to the baby. However, there is no way to know for sure. It is dependent on the dosage of radiation you had, where the radiation was directed, and whether you were shielded or not. Usually pain killers are safe for use during pregnancy. You will have to discuss the X-rays with the radiologist that performed them in order to determine what your risks are.