accidental exposure to anesthetic gas

[kaltiki]

Hi I am really worried as yesterday at work I was accidently exposed to anesthetic gas. I work as a vet nurse and was in the area the animal being operated was in for 15 mins before they realised there was a small leak in the system. It was from a small hole in a pipe about 3mm accross at a guess. we use Isoflurane to anesthitise. For the most part I was on the other side of the room but at one point for about a min i was close to the surgery as I had to assess something. I am 8 weeks pregnant and am now terrified that this will loose me by baby. Should i get myself checked out what should i do, so scared.
Thanks
-x-

[illelay]

No need to worry.   Do inform your doctor.   But also know that anesthetic gas is used in other countries for pregnant women as a pain option during dilivery, known to cause no harm to the baby.   America is one of the few countries that doesn't provide that.   Long term exposure is not recommended (Like every day).  
  

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
A single exposure like that is unlikely to cause any major problems.  I ALWAYS recommend notifying your doctor right away, but there is probably not too much that they can do.
If you were my patient, I would do an ultrasound to confirm that everything is alright at this point, and then have a "heart to heart" with you about your job--could you take some time off? or switch to another location for a few weeks?  Continued exposure to anesthetics ( such as anesthesiologists have ) has been associated with some risks.
Good luck and congratulations!
Dr B