Considerations for Patients Exposed Less Than 2 Weeks Postconception

In the first 10-14 days after conception, the only potential risk is induced termination of the pregnancy, but doses normally delivered from diagnostic radiographic procedure (less than 50 mGy) have not been associated with such an effect [3,4]. On the other hand, in the population of women not exposed to radiation, approximately 50% of all conceptions are not viable and are spontaneously lost [18]. This is exhibited typically as a late or missed menstrual period, and the woman may not have known that she was pregnant. Doses from diagnostic fluoroscopy of the pelvis, CT, or multiple pelvic radiographic (planar) examinations are also not likely to result in induced termination, although the potential for crossing the threshold is the greatest for these scenarios. The threshold is thought to be between 50 and 100 mGy or above [3]. Many cases of exposures involving typical diagnostic radiology procedures during this conceptus development interval have been documented, and the outcomes have been normal [14]. There is no recommended medical intervention for this situation. Medical advice to the woman should be to seek standard obstetrical care.