Question:

A 7-week pregnant woman has a single accidental exposure to a diagnostic x-ray. Which of the following should be done?

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One diagnostic film is far below the first-trimester dose that worries us.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Continue pregnancy
  • Terminate pregnancy
  • Chromosome analysis
  • Pre-invasive diagnostic testing
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: A single diagnostic x-ray delivers a very small dose, far below the threshold for fetal harm.
Step 2: Counselling and consideration of elective termination are advised only above 15 rad in the second or third trimester, or above 5 rad in the first trimester. A single diagnostic film is well under these limits.
Step 3: Because the dose is negligible, the pregnancy can be continued safely. There is no indication to terminate, and no need for chromosome analysis or invasive diagnostic testing on the basis of this exposure.
So the answer is continue pregnancy.
Ref: Dutta Obstetrics, 8th ed, p. 740; Williams Obstetrics, 24th ed, Table 46-5
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