More recently, a new method has been used in medicine, thanks to which it has become possible to obtain an image of almost any body tissue, especially soft ones: intervertebral discs, brain, and cartilage. This is magnetic resonance imaging, which is recognized as the best for diagnosing a variety of pathologies and changes in the body. Thanks to such a study, any organ is visible down to the smallest detail, which allows an accurate diagnosis to be made.
During pregnancy, a woman passes a large number of tests and undergoes an ultrasound scan several times to monitor the development of the fetus. But there are situations when this is not enough, and the doctor recommends resorting to magnetic resonance imaging. In these cases, the question arises: is it possible to do an MRI during pregnancy? Let's try to figure this out.
The effect of magnetic resonance imaging on the process of bearing a child
Can an MRI be done during pregnancy? Doctors believe that it is completely safe. This procedure uses a magnetic field that is considered harmless, in contrast to x-rays, which are used in computed tomography and x-rays. Moreover, after the procedure there are no consequences.
It is better if the MRI during pregnancy will be performed without contrasting, since the special substance used can cause allergies. In addition, if it was used, then after its introduction, mothers can feed the child only after 24-48 hours. However, many researchers believe that this can be done immediately after the procedure. So in this case, only a woman should decide, in consultation with her doctor.
Reasons for referring to MRI during pregnancy
This procedure is prescribed in order to diagnose various diseases in both the expectant mother and the fetus. The doctor directs the woman to an MRI, having on hand an opinion obtained after an ultrasound scan. If the suspicion of a pathology is confirmed, then the necessary treatment is prescribed.
An MRI during pregnancy is also performed for more information. There are situations when a gynecologist needs to make a difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy. In this case, thanks to the results obtained, you can be 100% sure that this is really necessary.
Thus, the reasons for referring to an MRI are the following cases:
- fetal pathology;
- the intention to confirm or refute the diagnosis made by analysis;
- improper position of the fetus in the last stages of pregnancy;
- if it is impossible to conduct an ultrasound of the fetus due to the large weight of the mother;
- to clarify the diagnosis, if there are indications for medical termination of pregnancy.
During what period of gestation is it better not to have an MRI?
If there are no necessary indications for the appointment of MRI during pregnancy in the early stages, then it is advisable to postpone the procedure until a later period. This is explained by the fact that during the first trimester all the organs of the child begin to be laid and he is very susceptible to the influence of negative factors. Moreover, this device emits a lot of noise and heat, which can cause stress both in the mother and the fetus.
Absolute contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging
MRI is not recommended in the following cases:
- presence of a pacemaker;
- intracranial aneurysm;
- the presence of a metallic body in the orbit;
- the presence of a defibrillator;
- the presence in the body of a pacemaker;
- hematopoietic anemia;
- the presence of orthopedic appliances that hold bones.
Relative contraindications:
- metal prosthesis;
- woman's weight is more than 200 kg;
- drug or alcohol intoxication;
- a tattoo containing metallic compounds;
- severe pain while moving;
- metal teeth and tantalum plates.
It is also not recommended to carry out this procedure if a woman suffers from a fear of closed space (claustrophobia). She may not even suspect that she has such a disease that can manifest itself during pregnancy. The female body thus reacts to a stressful situation.
Preparation for the procedure
MRI during pregnancy is completely painless, and somehow it is not necessary to specially prepare for it. You should also continue to take medication if prescribed. The procedure is performed on an empty stomach, or you can take a small amount of food.
Before the study, a woman puts on a dressing gown and takes off all metal objects. If you have a hearing aid, denture, wig, all this should also be removed, since these objects interfere with the accuracy of the image. Metal products create a magnetic field, disable electronics, and also harm a person. If the patient’s body contains joint prostheses, an artificial valve in the heart, electronic implants, she must tell the doctor about it.
How is the procedure of magnetic resonance imaging of the fetus?
The procedure is usually performed in the morning, because at this time the woman and the child are at rest. Food is best avoided, and the bladder should be emptied before testing.
The woman lays down on the couch forward. This helps prevent a claustrophobic reaction. If it is difficult for her to breathe on her back, then she is allowed to turn on her left side, this will not affect the result in any way. The doctor also warns the patient that she can stop the procedure at any time. This allows her not to be nervous. Before starting a scan, a woman should lie down in a tunnel for a while, so that the child calms down and stops her spontaneous movements that occur in the first minutes after a change of position.
Basically, an MRI of the fetus is prescribed after an ultrasound scan to clarify the nature of the changes. Ultrasound may not fully reveal some malformations. According to the results of tomography, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment, and also decides on the need for termination of pregnancy. The results of MRI during pregnancy can refute a previously diagnosed diagnosis.
The procedure will not be as effective if performed before the 20th week of pregnancy. This is explained by the fact that during this period the child has high activity and is still very small. With an increase in gestational age, image quality improves.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain
Brain MRI is also diagnosed during pregnancy. The fact of an interesting position of a woman is not a contraindication for the implementation of such a procedure, since the safety of this research method has been proved. Scanning is carried out in the usual way: ring sensors are put on the patient’s head and placed in the tunnel tube of the tomograph. The brain during pregnancy is examined to detect various injuries, tumors and to examine the vessels of the organ.
Conclusion
Thus, the answer was received to the question: MRI during pregnancy - is it safe? Long-term studies have confirmed the fact of the absolute harmlessness of such a procedure. However, in the early stages it is undesirable to do it, but it is better to wait until the 20th week of pregnancy to obtain a more accurate result.