<human>: I am between 15 and 16 weeks pregnant and went to the ER for intermediate chest pains and tightness. The d-dimer blood test came back positive, slightly elevated. I did not want to undergo a CT scan with contrast but the doctor urged me to get it done to rule out a PE. We argued for awhile before I consented due to the risk of a blood clot In the lung. He assured me the baby would be fine and that the exposure to radiation is about the same as a cross country flight. He also stated the contrast does not pass the placenta. Research online has lead me to panic....I cannot verify his statements. The CT scan revealed that I do not have a clot in the lung. Can you please shed some light on this? Thank you.
<bot>: Hi, CT scan of chest is not in the area of pregnant uterus to cause direct harm by the rays and the contrast does not cross the placenta. There is a very minimal 1/185000 chance of increase risk of cancer to the child, which I feel is very small compared to the need of the CT. As when we suspect pulmonary embolism in pregnancy a proper diagnosis by CT could be life-saving for mother and fetus. Hope this helps. Regards.