Just Found Out I'm Pregnant and I Was Exposed to CT Scan w/IV Contrast

When I was 6 mos pregnant, I almost died from pnuemonia. I had 3 chest x rays and one cat scan (including the radioactive dye in the iv) and took more drugs than I ever had in my whole life.... iv antibiotics, vicodin, etc, etc. I too was worried but my doc said that amt of radiation wouldn't affect the baby. That baby is now a very healthy, precocious 4 y/o. With me, they avoided my abdomen area, but I would think that b/c you were so early and the baby is so tiny that it is very protected in there. You will be fine.

This is really a question for an OB/midwife and not a parenting chat group. Please let your OB care provider know about your medical experience a.s.a.p. so that they can give you the correct advice. Don't wait for an appointment to discuss this - you may be too early for a prenatal appointment, but this is not a routine matter. Good luck.

I would talk to you OB about it just to make sure.

years ago I was in a car accident when I lost control of our blazer and flipped it 5 times. I was taken to the hospital and they did a urine pregnancy test, it came back negitive. They sent me in for a ct scan to make sure there wasn't any internal injuries since I wasn't wearing my seatbelt.

Once in there they asked me if I was pregnant. I told them no and that I had just taken a urine pregnancy test. They told me that my uterus was inlarged. I told them I had just had a baby 2 1/2 months ago. They told me to check up with my ob/gyn with in the next week. I was worried then... I went home and took another pregnancy test and it was negitive. Was able to get into the Dr on Wednesday of that week and they did a blood test and I was pregnant, just not far along for a urine test to pick up yet. They said I was about 3 weeks along according to the ultrasound.

The good news in this is I have a very healthy soon to be 12 year old son. None of it harmed him at all, thankfully.

Talk to your Dr about it and hopefully everything turns out ok!

Make your first ob appointment right away and let the receptionist know that there is an issue you would like to speak with the doctor or a nurse with immediately. That way you can get some immediate advice and tyhe doc/nurse will decide if any special action is required. This is a very specific question, and unless someone has had the same experience, any answers besides talk to your doctor will not be reliable. Even if your doctor has a policy that they do not see patients until a set number of weeks pregnant, there should be an on call doctor or nurse that you can speak to before your first apointment. Good luck and try not to stress too much!

i'd make an appointment and discuss it with your OB stat. there's the perspective that the embryo is so tiny that it won't be impacted, and the equally compelling POV that it's during the fragile formation stage that the embryo is most vulnerable (so many of us spontaneously abort and don't even know it.)
it's easy to say 'try not to worry' but of course much harder to do. go talk to an expert and get good information. what we say will be all over the map.
you don't say what sent you to the hospital! are you okay?
khairete
S.

you are so very very early in the formation process, our bodies will protect the tiny egg. If you think about it how many woman dont know they are pregnant early on and go out and party it up. This one time occurance for you should be ok. its when the heart, lungs and brain are developing that these things really could have a an effect. and since you had a ct scan it may have shown up so I have to guess the little egg was still traveling down the fallopian (sp) highway. Call your ob and talk to them about it. gl and congrates

I agree that it was so early on, you are probably fine, but yes, I also agree to call your doc to ease your fears! ;) Try not to worry too much, our bodies do a great job of protecting that baby so early. Congrats!

You need to discuss this with your OB and see how it impacts your pregnancy and the health of your child. Try not to worry too much (I know all pregnant ladies worry) and congrats!

I agree call your doctor they will know best.

I had something I asked about and was told that early in the first trimester it was pretty much all or nothing. Meaning that if I didn't have a miscarriage it was generallly ok.
Completely different thing also down to days as well. Really the doctor is the best person to ask.

What I was 7mos prego with my oldest, I was in a bad wreck where I flipped my car. They did ct scans, MRI's, and all kind of other tests on me. I had sprained my neck and shoulder, was in lots of pain, and going into pre term labor. While giving me meds in my IV to stop labor, they also had me on morphine and even stronger pain meds than that and in the end I ended up having to be induced (2 mos. later) and I have a very smart, healthy girl who will be 12 in August. I would contact your doctor just for your peace of mind but I think you and your lil love will be just fine. It's amazing how protected our lil ones are in the womb. Please try not to worry so much and enjoy this blissful time. EDA: I just read the post below mine, the vehicle I flipped was a Blazer also..

I would talk to your doctor for reassurance. When I was 6 weeks pregnant with my son I was terribly ill. Come to find out my gallbladder was shot and my bile duct was blocked with a gallstone. I was becoming jaundiced and my liver enzymes were through the roof. I was in the hospital for 3 days on lots of morphine, had two surgeries with anesthesia etc. I too was worried the whole time that he would be affected by all of this in a terrible way. When I had my 20 week ultrasound he was perfect and the doctor reassured me that all I went through would not likely cause any issues. It is amazing how strong these little guys are. I am happy to say that my son is 2 years old and absolutely perfect!

I hope you are feeling better soon and that your health concerns are not serious. Congratulations on your pregnancy!