MRI Safety for pregnancy patient
MRI Safety While Pregnant
If you become ill during pregnancy, both you and your unborn child are considered patients for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Before treatment, your doctor should assess your medical needs and any potential health issues affecting you or your baby. Your doctor may recommend an MRI exam for you.
Why should you get an MRI?
An MRI may be ordered by your doctor if you need immediate treatment for symptoms or exam results that cannot wait until after childbirth.
Alternatives to MRIs
Ultrasound is the most common imaging test used during pregnancy. It creates images using sound waves. If ultrasound does not provide a clear answer or additional imaging is required, your doctor may recommend an MRI exam to obtain the necessary information.
Computed tomography (CT) exams can be safely performed during pregnancy. CT uses x-ray radiation, so ultrasound or MRI are preferred.
MRI risk during pregnancy
MRI exams pose no proven risk to pregnant women or unborn babies. Over the past 30 years, thousands of pregnant women have undergone MRI exams with no known negative effects on the baby.
Fear of an MRI exam should not prevent you from receiving a necessary diagnosis for a serious or urgent illness. The most important factor in having a healthy baby is to ensure that the mother is healthy. The mother's health and ability to carry the pregnancy to term are crucial for the baby.