MRI during pregnancy: to do or not, can there be consequences?

MRI and X-ray: who is worse?

X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans produce images of internal organs using ionizing radiation, or more simply, x-rays. The rays penetrate the skin and muscle tissue, irradiating a person. The properties of radiation have been well studied: it accumulates in the body and in large quantities can cause the development of abnormalities and diseases. To control radiation, standards for annual human exposure have been created, and safety measures have been taken in clinics to protect patients (lead clothing). X-rays and CT scans are not recommended during pregnancy for preventive purposes (i.e., without the need and prescription of a doctor).

There is no ionizing radiation in magnetic resonance imaging. MRI is based on the action of an electromagnetic field. The image of the internal organs is obtained as follows: the installation generates a magnetic field with a power of 0.5 to 2 Tesla, and electromagnetic waves are sent to the area under study, which transmit a rotational impulse to the protons. After the impact is canceled, the particles “relax”, releasing a certain amount of energy, which is recorded by a sensitive tomograph sensor and processed by a computer program. The “response” of atoms to the action of an electromagnetic wave is called resonance, hence the second word in the name of the procedure.

Tesla is a unit of measurement of induction (force of action) of a magnetic field. In a medical tomograph from 0.5 to 3 Tesla. Let’s compare: a souvenir magnet is 5 Millitesla, and the Earth’s magnetic field is 5*10-5 Tesla.

During the procedure there is no need for protective clothing: the magnetic field, unlike ionizing radiation, does not have a destructive effect on the body. In any case, the field is of the same power that is created in tomographs for medical use.

MRI during early pregnancy may be indicated for diagnosing fetal pathologies (tomography is more informative than ultrasound). And when examining the brain and spinal cord, magnetic resonance imaging is the best method. MRI is often included in the screening program of the 1st trimester of pregnancy (at 12 weeks), because it examines soft tissue well, better than ultrasound, it allows you to identify possible abnormalities in the development of the fetus and take timely measures. Magnetic resonance imaging provides doctors with complete information about the condition of soft tissues and internal organs.

There is nothing harmful to human health in the action of a magnetic field. Because our Earth is also a magnet with two poles, and we regularly experience its effect, for example, when the weather changes or when we use a compass.

The only discomfort that MRI can cause is prolonged immobility. This is due to the fact that the program scans organs layer by layer, and this takes time. Equipment for tomography can be open or closed, which does not affect the quality of the procedure or the effect on the body.

We also recommend reading the article about whether fluorography is dangerous in early pregnancy. From it you will learn what effect the device has on the development of the fetus, as well as how to protect yourself during the procedure.

When the procedure cannot be performed

In each specific situation, whether an MRI can be done during pregnancy is decided by the attending specialist. This depends on the individual characteristics of the woman, as well as the presence of contraindications. MRI examination is always prohibited in the following situations:

the presence of autonomously functioning implants in the mother’s body;
metal jewelry or dental crowns;
pregnancy period up to 3 weeks;
claustrophobia;
mental illnesses that do not allow the pregnant woman to control her behavior;
inferior vena cava syndrome - in later stages, a pregnant woman cannot lie on her back due to compression of the vessel.

Even the presence of metal clips installed in the cranial cavity during previous surgical treatment is a contraindication for manipulation. Since high-field tomographs are exclusively closed, claustrophobia becomes an insurmountable problem, since it is impractical to administer relaxing drugs for the procedure. In each case, before doing an MRI, the doctor takes into account the possible consequences for the fetus.

Why is MRI not recommended for pregnant women in the early stages?

It may be that you need an MRI of your spine or brain to coincide with early pregnancy. Expectant mothers also sometimes need to check the blood vessels or the condition of the back when it causes concern to doctors. When it comes to your health, do not refuse an examination. The fact is that magnetic resonance imaging is a relatively new phenomenon (1973), but not 100% studied. Science gives a clear answer: the procedure is safe for everyone without exception. This is confirmed by numerous experiments, but medicine is still playing it safe.

It is believed that too many negative factors affect the body of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy itself is stressful, but what if we add here imperfect nutrition, nerves, ecology, and general health problems? What if before pregnancy a woman smoked and drank regularly? All these factors influence the development of the unborn child. Why add another one? Therefore, MRI in the early stages is not prescribed without a good reason - they are on the safe side.

In what cases is a pregnant woman allowed to have an MRI?

A pregnant woman has the right to refuse examination for many reasons. If there are no clear indications and insistence of a personal doctor, diagnostics can be carried out after childbirth. This examination is an alternative to CT, a more harmful method.

Fetal MRI is indicated for:

possible anatomical deformations of the fetus;
disorders of the internal systems and organs of the child;
confirmation of recommendations for termination of pregnancy for medical reasons;
confirmation or refutation of tests indicating any diagnosis incompatible with life (for example, oncology, intrauterine brain lesions).

Some diseases can be corrected during the first day of a child’s life, but for this you need to know about the pathology in advance. Therefore, MRI is performed in utero so that specialists can react in time and save the baby.

Such diseases include:

spinal cord herniation;
underdevelopment of the esophagus;
heart defects.

MRI is indicated for placental abruption, early aging and ischemia, especially when the location of the fetus does not allow pathology to be detected by other means. Diagnostics is also recommended for multiple pregnancies, hormonal disorders, and congenital malformations that are inherited.

A pregnant woman is prescribed an MRI if:

inability to examine the mother using the usual ultrasound method due to obesity or poor positioning of the baby in the last trimester;
severe injuries, fractures, bruises. In such cases, an MRI is much better than an X-ray. Diagnostics can be carried out on the joints and limbs, without touching the pelvic area, which is absolutely harmless for the development of the fetus;
progressive deformation of joints. An exacerbation of the disorder can begin during pregnancy due to increased stress and lack of calcium in the body.
symphysitis and pain in the pubic area during pregnancy.

Is there a possibility that hair dyeing can somehow affect the fetus? Read: Is it possible to dye your hair during pregnancy?

During the period of bearing a child, diseases aggravate and develop, the presence of which the woman had not previously suspected. It happens that fainting during the day or at other times, frequent dizziness, nausea and numbness of the limbs are caused not by pregnancy, but by a serious illness. To remove suspicion or confirm a disappointing diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an MRI of the head. In this case, the pelvic area will not be touched, so the procedure will not have any effect on the fetus.

MRI is prescribed only in extreme cases, when it is impossible to delay therapy and diagnosis until pregnancy is resolved. It is especially important to check the condition of the fetus when ultrasound and other tests indicate any pathological changes.

MRI during early pregnancy: possible consequences

So far there have been no recorded cases of fetal pathology or miscarriage due to an MRI.
Much more important is how you take care of your health. The recipe is simple: fresh air, healthy food, moderate exercise, less stress and regular monitoring by a doctor. By following these simple recommendations, you can significantly increase the chance of having a healthy baby and an easy birth. The reason why some doctors recommend not combining MRI and pregnancy is the heating of tissue as a result of the action of the electromagnetic field. But such heating will do no more harm than a hot shower. Refrain from examination until 12 weeks if you are suspicious and want to play it safe. Are you sure that you will always return to the situation, think and regret about the procedure done, and “wind up” yourself? Then it is better to postpone the procedure. Save yourself the hassle by waiting until the second trimester.

Is it possible or not to have an MRI during pregnancy?

It must be remembered that independent prescription of nuclear magnetic resonance is not allowed in any case: only a doctor can issue a referral, having previously assessed the condition of interconnected organisms and all possible risks.

Very compelling reasons are needed to perform a tomography, for example:

incorrect location in the womb;
dysfunction of any organs of the mother or child;
suspicion of the presence of malignant tumors;
pathological condition of the fetus;
the possibility of miscarriage, premature birth or unplanned abortion;
refutation or confirmation of a diagnosis that was previously made based on test results.

As a rule, contrast, which tints poorly distinguishable structures, is not used during the procedure, since its elements can cause severe allergies in both the expectant mother and her baby.

Contraindications for MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging is a painless diagnostic method, and pregnancy, including in the early stages, is not an obstacle to the study.
But there are general rules for the study: 1. You cannot carry out diagnostics in the presence of metal objects in the body: dental implants, braces, crowns, pacemakers, Ilizarov apparatus, hemostatic clips, middle ear implant. Take off your jewelry (earrings, chains, piercings, rhinestones), put away your mobile phone, lighter.

2. Claustrophobia, heart failure, nervous disorders, weight over 120 kg and other diseases not related to pregnancy can become a serious obstacle to the procedure. On the websites of some clinics it is written that the 1st trimester of pregnancy is also a contraindication, but, as mentioned earlier, this is reinsurance for the doctors themselves.

How is a CT scan done for pregnant women?

The procedure is similar to the study of ordinary patients. No preparation required. The woman lies down on the table, and her stomach is covered with a special apron. It can be used to reduce the amount of X-rays that enter the body. The doctor sets the minimum dosage of radiation, but not less than that which allows you to see the features of the area being examined.

It is prohibited to scan the hip joints, pelvic organs, and abdominal cavity with a tomograph in pregnant women. Examination of these parts of the body is possible only if we are talking about subsequent termination of pregnancy.

You've made up your mind: simple recommendations

So, you understand that you need an MRI. Before you begin the procedure, tell the x-ray technician that you are pregnant and your due date. Do not forget to mention that you refuse to administer a contrast agent in advance without additional examination. Bring a robe or long T-shirt (if you are wearing clothing with a metal buckle, rhinestones or buttons, you will be asked to remove it).

During the procedure, do not be afraid to be alone, because an x-ray technician is watching you through a special window. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask. And most importantly - stay calm and be healthy!