I had Breast surgery while I was unknowingly 9 wks pregnant: Could the anesthesia have caused my miscarriage 2 weeks post op?

Question

I did not know I was pregnant at the time of surgery, however a pregnancy test was taken. I do not know the results but assuming if it read positive I would have been told. I miscarried about 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. Based on my hormone levels I was around 9 weeks pregnant. Is there a relationship between the general anesthesia or the surgery that would have caused this?? I would think the test taken by the office would have shown up positive at this point.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

In emergency situations where women are involved in accidents and need surgery there has not been a difference in miscarriages.  Of course these are emergency situations and not an elective procedure.  I have actually had this situation twice in my career.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

Anything is possible with a pregnancy after anesthesia and surgery. If a patient has a positive urine pregnancy test on the day of elective plastic surgery, the patient is most definitely postponed until after the pregnancy. Consult with your surgeon.

I had Breast surgery while I was unknowingly 9 wks pregnant: Could the anesthesia have caused my miscarriage 2 weeks post op?

Answers (2)