The worker may wish not to declare pregnancy and is then subject to the dose restrictions of all occupational radiation workers. The decision should be made early. Due to body shielding, the actual dose received by the unborn child will be less than that to the woman in most situations. At SDSU, most occupational exposure are well below the limits recommended for prenatal exposure. A pregnant worker may request reassignment to a location where exposure is significantly less or at background levels.
Experts disagree on the exact amount of risk.
A second dosimeter may be issued in addition to the quarterly whole body dosimeter. The dosimeter will be worn at the abdomen and processed monthly. If the integrated dosimeter reading at the abdomen is greater than 50 mrem during any one month, the workload and procedures will receive a critical review to reduce exposures. When calculated dose to the fetus totals 500 mrem, a transfer to another laboratory or leave is mandatory and the individual shall not use radioactive materials until completion of the gestation period.