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With recent discussion about the possibility of a terrorist attack involving radioactive materials, some people may be concerned about radiation exposure to unborn babies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has prepared this fact sheet to help you understand the possible health effects to your unborn baby from exposure to radiation. Prenatal Radiation ExposureThe exposure of an unborn baby to radiation is referred to as prenatal radiation exposure. This can occur when the mother's abdomen is exposed to radiation from outside her body. Also, a pregnant woman who accidentally swallows or breathes in radioactive materials may absorb that substance into her bloodstream. From the mother's blood, radioactive materials may pass through the umbilical cord to the baby or concentrate in areas of the mother's body near the womb (such as the bladder) and expose the unborn baby to radiation. The possibility of severe health effects depends on the gestational age of the unborn baby at the time of exposure and the amount of radiation it is exposed to. Unborn babies are less sensitive during some stages of pregnancy than others. However, unborn babies are particularly sensitive to radiation during their early development, between weeks 2 and 15 of pregnancy. The health consequences can be severe, even at radiation doses too low to make the mother sick. Such consequences can include stunted growth, deformities, abnormal brain function, or cancer that may develop sometime later in life. However, since the baby is shielded by the mother's abdomen, it is protected in the womb from radioactive sources outside the mother's body. Consequently, the radiation dose to the unborn baby is lower than the dose to the mother for most radiation exposure events. Pregnant women should consult with their physicians if they have any concern about radiation exposure to their unborn baby. Increased Cancer RiskRadiation
exposure before birth can increase a person's risk of getting cancer later
in life. Other Risks from Radiation ExposureHealth effects
other than cancer from radiation exposure are not likely when the dose
to the unborn baby is very low. During the
first 2 weeks of pregnancy, the radiation-related health effect of greatest
concern is the death of the baby. Large radiation
doses to the unborn baby during the more sensitive stages of development
(between weeks 2 and 15 of pregnancy) can cause birth defects, especially
to the brain. Between the
16th week of pregnancy and birth, radiation-induced health effects (besides
cancer) are unlikely unless the unborn baby receives an extremely large
dose of radiation. After the
26th week of pregnancy, the radiation sensitivity of the unborn baby is
similar to that of a newborn. Again, it is important for women who are concerned about radiation exposure to their unborn babies to consult their physician. To request more information, you may call the CDC Public Response line at 1-800-311-3435 or visit the web site at http://www.cdc.gov/netinfo.htm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations. |
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