What test(s) do doctors run to rule out pulmonary embolism in a pregnant woman? 20 gs wks, no leg pain, shortness of breath, cough and chest pain for 4 days after long distance traveling.

Arterial: blood gasses. If normal, you are ok

Xray -> VQ -> CT: Without leg symptoms, one would not perform a leg ultrasound (DVT US). With SOB, a chest Xray is first choice, and can be performed safely by shielding the baby. If Xray is normal, then a nuclear medicine VQ scan is performed. If the VQ scan is indeterminate, a CT Pulmonary Angiogram is performed, with settings designed to reduce radiation dose to mother and fetus.

Tough one: most of the test for PE involve either IV dye or radiation or both Venous ultrasound can look for clots in the legs - if negative that is a good sign. Clot in the pelvis is hard to identify without radiation. IF there is a real clinical concern you could have a CTAngiogram of the chest with your abdomen shielded but you would have to discuss with your doctor to see the level of his/her concern