I heard that getting a dental x-ray without a shield during thefirst 8 weeks of pregnancy can cause organ problems to the baby. is it true? i am worried about mine.

Be Careful: It is always wise to shield vital organs whenever you are having dental xrays taken. When you are pregnant it is advisable to double shield your abdonem. That means placing one shield from neck to knees and another shield across your abdomen. The risk is small, but it is not worth taking a chance of having the radiation causing changes in any rapidly growing cells (the fetus).

Don't worry please: If it was a digital x ray chances are very low because it has less radiation than conventional x ray. It is very understandable to worry but at this point you worrying will also have other negative impacts on you and possibly the baby. Consult your OB and nothing can be done at this point except wait and enjoy your pregnancy. It will be ok. Avoid anymore x rays specially without a shield.

How many were done?: Standard dental x-ray protocal is to always use a lead apron shield to prevent scatter radiation to the fetus the risk would be low , but would increase very slowly depending upon how many x-rays were taken. Studies are not done on pregnant women.

Wrong trimester: If x-rays are for routine screening, have them done during 2nd trimester or immediately after baby is born (not months later). If there is a specific problem, x-rays may be required. In either case your dentist will use lead shielding, collumated x-rays, and minimal dosage. You get more exposure from background radiation in just a few days than from limited dental x-rays.