What is X-rays? It is an electromagnetic wave with a certain wavelength and frequency; the wavelength of X-rays is extremely short and the energy is extremely high; its wavelength is between ultraviolet and gamma rays, and the wavelength of X-rays used for diagnostic imaging is 0.008 to 0.031 nm. When X-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed by calcium-containing components such as bone, water (blood, etc.), and soft tissue (muscle) and weakened. Using different substances absorbed differently and the intensity of the image taken is the X-ray film. What is the dose of exposure for each type of X-ray examination and what are the risks to pregnant women? The following are the doses for common X-ray examinations: chest X-ray 0.1-0.2 roentgens (rads)/time; gastrointestinal fluoroscopy 3-3.5 roentgens (rads)/time; pelvic photograph 1-3 roentgens (rads)/time; lung fluoroscopy 0.05-0.1 roentgens (rads)/time; dental radiograph 5 roentgens (rads)/time; gastrointestinal system 30 roentgens (rads)/time; tumor treatment (local irradiation) 3000-7000 roentgens (rads)/visit; head 0.04 roentgens (rads)/visit; abdomen 0.245 roentgens (rads)/visit; intravenous pyelogram 1.398 roentgens (rads)/visit. The fetal X-ray dose is usually 0.07 roentgen (rad) when a pregnant woman undergoes a single X-ray examination. It is generally believed that the fetus is prone to malformations only if the absorbed X-ray dose is above 10 roentgen (rad) (equivalent to 10 chest X-ray doses) in the first four months of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman does need X-rays after a full evaluation, it is recommended that she wear lead shielding for pregnant women to reduce radiation exposure, especially to the abdomen. What should I do if I have X-rays during pregnancy? Do I need an abortion? The opinion of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) is that a decision to terminate a pregnancy based on radiation risk is not justified at a fetal absorbed dose of less than 100 mGy (1 Gy = 100 roentgens), or 10 roentgens. The vast majority of intrauterine exposures to X-rays and their health risk levels are safe and rarely justify termination of pregnancy. The degree of risk of malformation, developmental delay, central nervous system damage, and IQ reduction should be carefully considered at intrauterine doses in the range of 100-500 mGy (often therapeutic doses, which are very rare) in the 8th to 15th week of gestation. The above is a professional point of view, come to some general interpretation. 1.The radiation of X-ray needs to be accumulated to a certain amount before it may cause teratology, and the dose of exposure of a single X-ray examination cannot reach the dose that can cause embryonic or fetal harm. 2, a large amount of foreign clinical evidence shows that early pregnancy (note: here refers to before the fourth week of pregnancy, that is, from the first day of the last menstruation after 28 days) received X-ray exposure, the impact on the baby in the womb only two results: the first result is that the baby received all the adverse effects, natural miscarriage; the second result is that the baby did not suffer adverse effects, the natural growth of normal. 3. In the middle and late stages of pregnancy, it is often the therapeutic dose of X-rays that can easily lead to fetal malformations. Despite this, clinical doctors are very cautious about X-rays during this period and try to reduce unnecessary X-rays, but it doesn’t mean that X-rays can never be done during pregnancy, just to minimize the possibility of teratogenicity. How soon after the X-ray can I have a baby? If an X-ray is taken before the 4th week of pregnancy in the case of an unplanned pregnancy, and if the embryo is not aborted by spontaneous miscarriage, you can consider keeping the baby on an “all or nothing” basis. However, for couples planning or preparing for pregnancy, it is possible to test for pregnancy before taking an x-ray to confirm that you are not pregnant. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends that there should be a period of freedom from x-ray exposure before pregnancy, and for insurance purposes, the general recommendation is to avoid pregnancy for 3 months after x-ray exposure, for both men and women. It is only a reference for parents preparing for pregnancy. Mothers-to-be should pay attention!!! 1. First, if you are pregnant, or suspect pregnancy, tell your doctor. This will be important not only for x-ray exposure, but also for other medication choices. 2. If you need x-rays during your pregnancy, remember to tell your doctor if you have had similar tests recently. Maybe this time the test can be omitted. 3, In short, if you are pregnant, or suspect pregnancy, consult your doctor, no matter what aspect of the test is being done. But it is unnecessary to do unnecessary worrying, not to mention the reason for abortion.