Q: My wife had undergone a chest X-ray when she was 40 days pregnant. We did not know that she was pregnant. Will this test affect the baby? Now she is 2 months pregnant. If so, what should we do?

A:Your wife was nearly 6 weeks pregnant when she was exposed to radiation, however small a dose. There is always a risk of developmental defect in the fetus, though it may not be very great. The choice is yours. However, for exact risks, I suggest you meet an expert in prenatal diagnosis.