X-ray Examinations during pregnancy

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We will need to know your pregnancy status if you are a woman aged between 9 to 60 years old, as there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.

X-rays or ionizing radiation poses a risk to the unborn baby.

There may be an increased risk of birth defects, cancers and certain diseases to the unborn baby when exposed to ionizing radiation. The risk will depend greatly on the type of examination and any measures taken to reduce the exposure.

Examinations that use ionizing radiation are:

• X-rays or radiographs (e.g, chest X-Ray, Abdominal X-Ray, X-Ray of bones)

• CT scan (e.g. CT brain, CT Abdomen/Pelvis, CT Urogram, CT Angiogram)

• Fluoroscopy (Barium Meal, Barium Swallow, Cholangiogram)

• Mammography or Mammograms

• Nuclear Medicine scans (e.g. PET CT, Bone scan)

Incidents do happen

There have been cases where patients thought they were not pregnant but found to be pregnant after the examination. That caused great anxiety and stress for the parents-to-be.

As such, always approach any of our staff or doctor if you are unsure of your pregnancy status or think you may be pregnant.

Examination with high radiation dose to the pelvis

If you are scheduled for an examination with high radiation dose to the pelvis area, please note the following:

• You will receive by mail a preparation letter with the alert statement:

• The pelvis region includes the area below the chest and above the knee.
• We can only perform such examinations within 14 days after your period / menstruation starts. This is because there is a chance you may be pregnant 14 days after your period.
• 14 day rule will NOT apply if you:
  
• are less than 9 or more than 60 years old (based on birth date)
• have removed your womb (hysterectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy)
  
• have reached menopause AND have no menses for more than one year
  
• have ongoing chemotherapy
  
• have intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), tied the tubes (tubal ligation)
  
• are currently taking hormonal contraception pillsand have not missed the pills

For better understanding of the 14-day rule

Example 1: My period started on 10 Aug 2021, and my scheduled appointment is on 23 Aug 2021. I can proceed because it is within 14 days.

Example 2: My period started on 10 Aug 2021, and my scheduled appointment is on 24 Aug 2021. I cannot proceed because it is more than 14 days.

Contact

If your appointment date for high dose radiological examination is more than 14 days after your last menstrual period, please click here to reschedule your appointment.

Email: gdrappt@sgh.com.sg

Call: (65) 6321 4225 (Mon to Fri: 0830 - 1800, Sat: 0830 - 1230)