Q: I am 22 weeks pregnant. Recently a helium cylinder burst open at my work place. I moved out of the place for 30 minutes and then returned to work. Will the Helium gas have any effect on my baby? I am not sure if traces of the gas were in the air and I inhaled them. Is my child safe?

A:Helium exposure is not harmful to mothers or the fetus unless there is an explosion. Helium is sometimes used in the treatment of acute asthma because it is inert.