Is it possible for a woman to have an MRI of the head, spine, pelvis and joints of the legs and arms in the early or late stages: indications, contraindications, consequences. Having an MRI during pregnancy MRI during pregnancy - contraindications

Magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be the most informative and gentle examination. It makes it possible to obtain accurate images in 3D format, which show the slightest degenerative changes in tissue. MRI during pregnancy is prescribed to identify pathologies in expectant mother and the baby, if the ultrasound examination did not give clear results.

MRI during pregnancy is done according to indications

Is it possible to do magnetic resonance imaging for pregnant women?

For pregnant women, doctors prescribe this type of research if a disease is suspected that poses a threat to the life of the mother and baby. However, it is not possible to confirm or refute the diagnosis using ultrasound. In general, the procedure does not have a negative impact. But the process has not yet been studied enough to talk about absolute safety.

On early stages It is recommended to refrain from undergoing tomography. If possible, wait at least the first three weeks after conception. At this time, the embryo is still very weak and even non-invasive external influence can lead to miscarriage. In addition, although the procedure is painless, immersion in the tomograph capsule can cause anxiety. In the early stages, stress is unacceptable.

Worry about negative impact MRI scans should not be performed in the second and third trimesters. The procedure is safe within this time frame.

However, all this concerns only simple diagnostics. The answer to the question: is it possible to do the procedure using a contrast agent – ​​negative. Used to obtain maximum clarity, gadolinium is able to penetrate the placenta and can affect the development of the baby.

How is the procedure performed?

MRI of the brain, blood vessels, bone structures or joints does not require preparation. It is necessary only when diagnosing the abdominal cavity and uterus. Before the procedure, you should not consume sweets, caffeinated drinks, or foods that cause fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract and excessive gas formation for a week. On the eve of the manipulation itself, you need to go without food for four hours. It is recommended to take a sorbent two hours before the MRI, and an antispasmodic half an hour before, having previously agreed on the type of medication with the doctor.

Further actions are as follows:

1. The woman takes off all jewelry, watches, and other metal objects.
2. The patient lies on a special table, wearing headphones so that she is not irritated by the sound of the operating device.
3. The table is directed into the capsule of the tomography machine.
4. Doctors take tomograph readings.

The procedure can last from half an hour to an hour. There is nothing dangerous about being in the capsule. If panic or other unpleasant sensations arise, you need to click on special button. The device will signal the doctors and they will interrupt the procedure. You can do diagnostics in an open capsule; for this you need to receive a referral for examination on an open tomograph. But it is not available for all manipulations. For example, during an MRI of the brain, only the head is immersed in the machine.

MRI of the brain

Who is diagnosed?

Ultrasound examination also provides fairly accurate indicators. But sometimes you need to see the problem area more clearly and accurately, to analyze every tiny area of ​​the affected tissue. In this case, MRI comes to the rescue. It is impossible to undergo a tomography procedure on your own. Diagnosis is carried out only according to doctor's indications. It will be required if signs of serious pathology are identified in a pregnant woman or fetus, or if the condition of the organ needs to be analyzed after surgery.

Most often, tomography of the pelvic organs is prescribed during pregnancy. The following are subject to research:

• uterus and fallopian tubes;
• vaginal tissue;
• ovaries.

At the same time, an examination of the bladder, pelvic bone structures, intestines, and lymph nodes in this area is carried out. According to indications, the study may affect the lower part of the spine and the peritoneal area.

A pelvic examination is prescribed if the following pathologies are suspected:

• inflammation and neoplasms in this area;
• endometriosis;
• polypous and cystic growths.

The study is also indicated for women over 30 years of age who are giving birth for the first time, and for those who have had polio, rickets and have a height of less than 155 cm. Such women in labor have a risk of changes in the pelvic bones. For very slender women with narrow hips, a check is also recommended to clarify the correspondence of the pelvic structures with the fetal head. MRI diagnostics is necessary if ultrasound cannot be performed, for example, if a pregnant woman has overweight or the baby turned around unsuccessfully later.

Examination of soft tissues with a tomograph is usually aimed at the area of ​​the mammary glands, neck, larynx, tongue, and limbs. It is carried out in case of suspected tumors, after injuries and with severe enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Pathologies are also diagnosed using a tomographic device in the area of ​​the spinal column if chronic diseases or neoplasms with pain of an unclear nature are suspected. MRI is indicated during pregnancy if problems with blood vessels and joints are detected, if other diagnostic methods do not give the desired result.

MRI of the brain is prescribed for severe sinusitis, suspected vasculitis, encephalomyelitis, and stroke. The doctor can also refer you for diagnostics if the pregnant woman suddenly has a sharp decrease in intelligence, memory loss and other neurological problems.

Is fetal MRI performed?

To monitor how the baby is developing, ultrasound and CTG - cardiotocography - are usually used. The latest study allows you to obtain the results of the fetal cardiovascular system, in particular the heart rate. It also controls the physiological activity of the fetus and uterine tone.

These studies are usually accurate. To correct them, the pregnant woman takes blood and urine tests. But sometimes the doctor believes that this is not enough to detect the condition of the unborn baby.

In what cases is fetal MRI necessary:

1. When the study reveals regenerative changes in the umbilical cord, placenta, and embryonic tissue.
2. In case of incorrect presentation of the baby.
3. With a weak heartbeat and low physical activity, fading.
4. If mechanical damage is suspected.

An MRI of the fetus is also performed if the ultrasound image is unclear and blurry. This is possible if the expectant mother excess weight, she is expecting twins or triplets, as well as oligohydramnios.

Preparation for the procedure is similar to that carried out before a pelvic examination. However, there is no need to take pharmaceuticals here.

Fetal MRI is prescribed if other methods are not informative

For whom the procedure is contraindicated

General prohibitions on magnetic resonance diagnostics include the presence of pacemakers, bone splints and implants. Also, MRI cannot be performed if the patient weighs more than 200 kg.

Another contraindication is claustrophobia. But if the fear of closed spaces is not pathological, sedatives approved by a doctor can help.

A possible ban on the procedure will be the presence of braces, dentures and tattoos on the expectant mother. Tattoo inks include metal elements which can cause burns. MRI is not done for mental disorders and decompensated heart failure.

Modern magnetic tomographs are quiet and spacious devices. Research on them is safe and will not cause discomfort. The results will allow you to quickly eliminate possible problems in the body so that further pregnancy proceeds without worries.

For one reason or another, we all sometimes have to undergo some kind of diagnostic testing. Women during pregnancy are no exception, because they have to monitor not only the state of their health, but also the development of the unborn child. In addition to a routine ultrasound, the doctor may prescribe an MRI during pregnancy. What kind of diagnostic method is this, and what is it used for?

Is it possible to do an MRI during pregnancy?

MRI (stands for magnetic resonance imaging) is a diagnostic method that uses the properties of magnetic fields. During pregnancy, MRI may be prescribed if necessary to examine diseases of the woman and the fetus.

MRI during pregnancy is used as an independent, isolated study, or as an addition to an already performed diagnosis:

• to assess existing pathologies in the fetus;
• for the diagnosis of tumor processes;
• to clarify preliminary diagnoses.

The magnetic resonance imaging method allows you to detect problems with the spine, joints, and central nervous system.

The effect of MRI on pregnancy

The MRI method is sometimes confused with CT - computed tomography, which uses unsafe ionizing rays. The negative effects of radiation on the body have been proven for a long time and do not require additional confirmation. It is especially undesirable to perform a CT scan during pregnancy - this can cause considerable harm to the body of both mother and child.

MRI implies the use of a completely different principle of obtaining information. A powerful magnetic field with a strength of 0.5-3 Tesla arises inside the MRI machine. Such a field cannot initially cause any harm to the human body.

Numerous studies confirm that magnetic resonance imaging is completely safe, both for pregnant women and for any other patients.

Is MRI harmful during pregnancy? Definitely not. The only condition is that MRI is not advisable to perform in the first trimester. And the point here is not at all that it is recognized as harmful. It’s just that the period of the first trimester is the time of laying the main organs of the future baby. In addition, until the placenta is formed, the fetus still does not have sufficient protection. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and schedule an MRI for a later period of pregnancy.

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Advantages and disadvantages of MRI during pregnancy

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Indications

MRI during pregnancy cannot be prescribed “just like that”: for this procedure, clear indications must be formulated, which are determined by the doctor. Such indications include:

• suspicion of pathology in the unborn child;
• pathologies of the spine, joints or internal organs in a pregnant woman;
• assessment of indications for abortion;
• clarification of the diagnosis if a tumor process is suspected.

In addition, MRI during pregnancy can be used instead of traditional ultrasound, in cases where the latter is not possible. For example, an ultrasound may not be indicative if a woman is obese, or if the child is in an awkward position in the later stages of pregnancy.

Preparation

In most cases, MRI does not require any special preparation. Only in some cases, when examining certain areas, will the doctor recommend a preparatory stage before the procedure.

• Before an MRI of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity, it is advisable not to drink or eat food for about 5 hours before the procedure.
• Before having a pelvic MRI, you should drink enough fluid to fill your bladder.
• Before an MRI of the spine, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to remain motionless for some time - this procedure doesn't go by that fast.

Immediately before the procedure, you should remove metal jewelry, watches, glasses, and piercings.

MRI technique during pregnancy

Before the MRI procedure, a woman is warned about possible contraindications and diagnostic subtleties. After this, the patient, if necessary, changes clothes and, with the help of medical staff, lies down on a special surface, which is then carefully moved into the MRI machine.

If extraneous noise irritates you, ask the medical staff for special earplugs; during the procedure, the device produces a slight monotonous noise, which can increase the degree of discomfort.

You need to prepare for the fact that the session can last 20-40 minutes.

MRI with contrast during pregnancy

MRI with contrast is most often used to identify tumor and metastatic processes - tomography allows one to assess the size and structure of the pathological focus.

The contrast is a gadolinium salt, which is soluble in water and has the least degree of toxicity. Other contrast agents can be used for MRI: Endorem, Lumirem, Abdoscan, Gastromark.

The contrast is introduced into the circulatory system and accumulates in the tissues - this makes the examined area clearer, and also allows you to assess the quality of blood supply to the tissues.

MRI with contrast during pregnancy can be performed in the second or third trimester, excluding the early stages, when the fetus is not yet surrounded by protection - the placental layer. In other cases, the use of a contrast agent is not prohibited: if necessary, it is administered even to pediatric patients.

MRI of the brain during pregnancy

MRI of the brain may be prescribed to pregnant women if the following indications exist:

• tumor processes in the brain;
• vascular pathologies in the brain;
• pituitary disorders;
• acute cerebrovascular accident;
• head injuries;
• pathologies of the central nervous system;
• severe headaches of unknown origin.

For such indications, MRI diagnostics is more informative. Other procedures may not always determine the cause of the pathology. MRI during pregnancy not only provides comprehensive information about the state of the brain, but is also a safe research method.

MRI of the fetus during pregnancy

An MRI of the fetus is prescribed during pregnancy if gross developmental defects are suspected, which may be an indication for artificial termination of pregnancy - abortion.

Many may notice that most patients undergo ultrasonography. However, it is not always possible to do an ultrasound, or it may not be informative. For example, MRI is preferable if a pregnant woman has significant fat (obesity). Indications for MRI are also oligohydramnios (oligohydramnios) and awkward fetal position in late pregnancy.

MRI of the sinuses during pregnancy

Diagnosis of the sinuses using MRI is allowed from about 18 weeks, but only after consultation with a gynecologist. A doctor can prescribe an MRI of the sinuses during pregnancy only if there are strict indications:

• suspected tumors in this area;
• inflammatory process in the sinuses;
• fungal infections of the sinuses;
• cysts and other benign neoplasms;
• bleeding into the nasal cavities, purulent sinusitis.

MRI of the sinuses does not have a negative effect, even with repeated use. This procedure is considered painless and safe.

MRI of the lungs during pregnancy

Magnetic resonance imaging of the respiratory system, namely the lungs and bronchi, is used if a pregnant woman is suspected of:

• pleurisy;
• vascular changes in the lungs;
• tumor processes;
• circulatory disorder in the lungs;
• cystic fibrosis;
• pneumonia;
• atelectasis;
• tuberculosis.

During pregnancy, MRI is much preferable to x-ray examination, which is highly not recommended during this period, as it can cause undeniable harm to the fetus.

MRI in early pregnancy

MRI is not recommended in early pregnancy. However, if there are strict indications, the doctor may prescribe this diagnostic procedure - for example, if serious pathologies are suspected in the fetus (MRI provides much more information than ultrasound).

If in the first trimester it is necessary to examine the head or spinal cord, then the doctor will always give preference to MRI. Sometimes MRI can be used instead of ultrasound at the first screening (at 12 weeks). Tomography allows you to better visualize tissue, determine possible fetal defects and provide timely medical assistance.

The magnetic field during MRI is not harmful to the human body. The fact that in some cases doctors do not recommend using MRI in the early stages is nothing more than “reinsurance”. The first trimester is the period when the fetus is actively developing, so medical specialists at this time try to avoid any procedures or interventions altogether.

MRI of the spine in early pregnancy

If spinal diseases worsen with the onset of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe an MRI procedure to clarify the diagnosis. Is it possible to carry out the procedure in the early stages?

If the pathology of the spine is such that you can wait a few weeks until the onset of the second trimester, then it is better not to rush into diagnosis. MRI of the spine in the early stages is performed only for strict indications:

• if tumor processes in the spine are suspected;
• at acute pain of unclear nature.

In principle, the MRI procedure is not dangerous, but it is generally accepted that in the early stages it is performed only if there are emergency indications.

MRI during late pregnancy

Magnetic resonance imaging does not involve the use of ionizing radiation. The main mechanism of action in MRI is the influence electromagnetic field. An image of the required area of ​​the body is obtained as follows: the device pumps up a magnetic field at a power of 0.5-2 Tesla, and waves are sent to the examined area, transmitting a rotational impulse to the protons. After the cessation of the waves, the particles “calm down”, simultaneously generating a certain dose of energy, recorded by a special hardware sensor. The reaction of atoms to the influence of electromagnetic waves is described by the term “resonance,” which determines the name of the MRI procedure.

If you carefully study the mechanism of action of this type of diagnosis, you can be sure that the procedure does not have any destructive consequences for the body. At the very least, the magnetic field used in MRI machines can be used in medicine without any risk, including in late pregnancy.

A pregnant woman has to refuse most medications and medical services due to their negative impact on the fetus. Therefore, MRI during pregnancy can be performed only if absolutely necessary; in other cases, it is better to postpone the diagnostic procedure. Let's find out how magnetic resonance imaging of the mother's internal organs affects the unborn baby, and whether planning a pregnancy is possible if a woman has recently had an MRI.

The magnetic resonance imaging method is based on the response of atomic nuclei chemical elements when exposed to a high-intensity magnetic field. All human tissues differ in the types of cells from which they are composed. Cells also have differences in structure, so they react differently to electromagnetic waves. The tomograph very accurately records the responses of atoms and converts them into a graphical form of information. Therefore, the result of diagnosis is high-quality images of internal organs and tissues in various projections.

With the advent of this method of research, people have some concerns. Mankind has always been fearful of terms such as “electromagnetic radiation,” “magnetic field,” “tension,” and even more so, “high tension.” Previously, the diagnostic procedure was called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, which made it even more frightening: it’s scary to imagine how something that acts at the nuclear level can affect a person. Let's find out whether the effect of magnetic resonance imaging on the body is dangerous, and whether it is possible to do an MRI during pregnancy.

Possible risks of diagnostics

Pregnancy is not the most favorable time for experiments. Expectant mothers have to give up everything that could negatively affect the fetus. This also includes medications and healing herbs. But there are pathologies that can cause more harm to the unborn child compared to the treatment of this disease. The prescription of drugs must be justified and correlated with the potential risks they carry. Therefore, the diagnosis must be verified by carefully examining the pregnant woman.

Radiography is one of the most popular and cheapest diagnostic methods. But it is associated with radiation: during the examination, the patient receives a dose of radiation, which can have negative consequences for pregnancy, especially in the early stages. Therefore, for a pregnant woman, it is advisable to replace x-rays with other, relatively safe, research methods. One of these is MRI.

Many years of practice have shown that magnetic resonance imaging is completely Therefore, diagnostics using a tomograph does not harm the health of the woman and her unborn baby. During the II and III trimesters, this procedure is prescribed without fear. But in the early stages of pregnancy (first trimester), doctors recommend abandoning MRI unless there is an urgent need for it. After all, it is during this period that all the organs of the fetus are formed.

Animal studies have shown that MRI does not have a negative effect on early pregnancy. Therefore, in the first 12 weeks such a procedure is not carried out solely for safety reasons: similar experiments have not been carried out on humans.

MRI and pregnancy planning

A woman planning a pregnancy is recommended to undergo examinations and tests to identify diseases that could interfere with the successful conception or bearing of a child. And this is simply necessary if she for a long time(1 year or more) unable to get pregnant. An MRI is sometimes prescribed for this purpose. Using this method, you can see what an x-ray or ultrasound of the expectant mother’s organs will not show. Planning a pregnancy after an MRI is possible immediately, since the procedure does not have any consequences for the woman’s body. If the diagnosis showed the presence of pathologies, then it is better to plan the child after successful treatment.

MRI when planning pregnancy – The best way find out about the presence of possible diseases that the expectant mother may not know about. And a woman’s ideal health significantly reduces the risk of having a baby with congenital pathologies.

It sometimes happens that soon after an MRI a woman notices the first signs of pregnancy. This means that the procedure was carried out with an already formed fertilized egg. But there is no need to worry about the possible consequences for the fetus, which has just begun its formation. There are cases where women, not knowing about their situation, were examined on a tomograph. They were born healthy children without any deviations, because the procedure is safe for everyone.

When is diagnostics necessary?

MRI during pregnancy is prescribed only to confirm or refute a diagnosis that poses a threat to the health or life of the pregnant woman or fetus. Acceptable:

• To do in case of injuries and pathologies (disc displacement, intervertebral hernia);
• Examination of the pelvic organs, if ultrasound did not give the desired results;
• MRI of the brain during pregnancy if there is a suspicion of a tumor;
• Carrying out a procedure to identify diseases of the central nervous system;
• An examination if the tests are not normal and the causes of the deviations are not determined by other types of diagnostics.

An MRI with contrast may be performed to carefully examine the condition of the soft tissues. This is the only way to detect tumors from 1 mm in diameter and determine their type. However, a contrast agent is contraindicated in the first trimester. At later stages, contrast is permissible, but only if the woman is not allergic to the composition of the administered contrast. It is safe for both mother and fetus, since it does not react inside the body and is quickly eliminated from it. But doctors are playing it safe and are in no hurry to prescribe such a study to the expectant mother.

When is a fetal tomography prescribed?

During pregnancy, an MRI can be prescribed to examine not only the woman, but also the unborn baby. The need for such a procedure arises if:

• Ultrasound examination of the fetus is not possible due to maternal obesity.
• The fetus is positioned incorrectly, making it difficult to examine in other ways.
• The screening results showed pathologies of fetal development, and their confirmation or refutation is necessary before artificial termination of pregnancy for medical reasons.

During pregnancy, MRI of the fetus is rarely done: to track its development, the data obtained from examining the mother’s blood and ultrasound of the unborn baby is sufficient. This research method is used in cases where the question of maintaining or terminating a pregnancy arises.

Contraindications

This type of diagnosis is contraindicated for a pregnant woman in the following cases:

• It's the first trimester of pregnancy. This is a relative contraindication, but doctors usually advise waiting until the beginning of the second trimester.
• The woman weighs more than 130-200 kg. The device is designed for a specific load, the maximum value of which varies depending on different models tomographs.
• The woman has metal objects that cannot be removed before the procedure (implants, pacemaker and wires).
• The expectant mother suffers from epilepsy. An attack may occur inside the device, especially if the woman is worried.
• There is an allergy to the composition of the contrast agent, or there is a history of bronchial asthma, hay fever (this contraindication applies only to MRI with contrast).

One of the contraindications to MRI during pregnancy is (fear of closed spaces). In this case, inside the device she may experience severe fear; the expectant mother will not be able to remain still. Stress is harmful to the baby, and pictures blurred by chaotic movements will not give a true picture of the pregnant woman’s health. However, there is an exception: this is an MRI of the brain. It can be done by putting only the head into the scanner, while the whole body remains outside, and the woman sees an open space.

The main myth about MRI is that the procedure is life-threatening for the patient if he decides to undergo it with implants or other metal objects. People tell stories that metal becomes red hot, leaves burns, and sometimes metal objects are torn out of the body under the influence of a high-intensity magnetic field. But all this is fiction. The presence of metal in an MRI will not harm even a pregnant woman and her fetus. The only possible consequence is distorted research results. But this is only if we are talking about a ferromagnetic metal. Other metals do not affect the reliability of the diagnosis. Therefore, check with your doctor about what your dentures or braces are made of.

MRI during pregnancy is safe for both the fetus and the expectant mother. This study provides more accurate information compared to other diagnostic methods. But for the purpose of insurance during the period of bearing a child, it is prescribed only in exceptional situations. For example, if ultrasound results show fetal malformations. In this case, MRI is necessary to make a correct and rational decision about maintaining or terminating the pregnancy.

During pregnancy, this is confirmed by MRI, the condition of the unborn child directly depends on the health of the mother. Unstable hormonal levels and any stress can negatively affect the well-being of the expectant mother, therefore, according to indications, a gynecologist or neurologist can prescribe a referral for an MRI during pregnancy in order to subsequently choose tactics for stabilizing the patient’s well-being.

Early pregnancy / MRI during early pregnancy, what can be done

A strong load on the cardiovascular system of the expectant mother is observed during pregnancy, since the volume of circulating blood in the body increases in anticipation of the child, the uterus increases in size and the diaphragm rises, thereby reducing the space for the lungs. With an insufficient amount of vitamins and a shift in the center of gravity, there is a strong load on skeletal system, often the posture changes completely.

Moreover, a hormonal surge occurs in a woman’s body, followed by active hormonal production of the thyroid gland, and the thyroid gland itself grows in size (which can be seen on an MRI examination even during pregnancy). All responsibility for removing metabolic products from mother and child falls on the urinary system; due to the increased size of the uterus, these organs are under constant pressure.

MRI in early pregnancy A gynecologist prescribes if there is a threat to the health and life of a woman (danger of stroke-cerebrovascular accident, head injury, pain in the spine and abdominal region). The minimum period of pregnancy before which a routine MRI examination by a gynecologist is usually not prescribed is 30 weeks.

A gynecologist may refer you for an MRI examination during early pregnancy for vital indications, if it is difficult to make a final diagnosis, and in some cases to clarify abnormalities in the fetus.

Types of diagnostics during pregnancy (MRI, CT, ultrasound)

X-ray, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most common types of diagnostics of the body, each of which has its own advantage when taking into account the purpose of the examination.

During pregnancy, the possibility of diagnostics with computed tomography (CT) and x-rays is limited due to their unsafety for the mother and the unborn child.

There is still confusion regarding the harmlessness of MRI diagnostics during pregnancy and whether magnetic resonance imaging can be done.

Recent scientific studies prove the safety of MRI during pregnancy, even in the early stages. MRI examinations can be done if certain recommendations are followed.

Safety level of diagnostic methods during pregnancy and breastfeeding

MRI during pregnancy: what is it, how does it work?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive and absolutely painless diagnostic method, in which, due to the influence of a magnetic field on the human body, specialists obtain images of internal tissues and organs in three planes. That is:

- excluded in MRI harmful irradiation(X-rays);

There are no ionizing beams in MRI (unlike CT);

MRI during pregnancy no negative impact on the human body;

MRI during pregnancy does not create physical discomfort, provided the main condition is met (the absence of metal ferromagnetic implants)

Can I get an MRI during pregnancy? Are there any consequences of MRI during pregnancy?

According to published research data, not a single official case has been recorded in which an MRI diagnosis during pregnancy, even in the early stages, would negatively affect the course of pregnancy and the health of the unborn child and the pregnant woman.

Based on practice, in the absence of contraindications to the examination, procedure MRI can be done at any stage of pregnancy, since nothing can harm the health of the unborn baby, and after birth he does not develop any pathologies.

Testing of MRI during pregnancy on animals did not show the negative impact of theoretical threats, namely:

Teratogenesis (disorder of embryonic development);

Heating of tissues;

Acoustic damage.

Slight heating of the tissue near the uterus was recorded, but there was no acoustic damage to the fetus.

That is, an MRI examination during pregnancy is not a contraindication for pregnant women at any stage and you can do the examination, undergo diagnostics according to the recommendations of the doctor or at the request of the patient himself.

MRI in early pregnancy

Until now, many medical centers refuse MRI during pregnancy, due to the outdated contraindication to undergo MRI during early pregnancy, that is, during the first trimester.

Based on 2016 research, there is no connection between MRI during pregnancy and its effects on the fetus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) early in the first trimester of pregnancy does not increase the risk of stillbirth, death of the baby soon after birth, or the birth of a baby with defects. The study used the Ontario, Canada Provincial Health Database, 2003–2015, and included 1,737 women who had an MRI scan during pregnancy and 1,418,451 women who did not have an MRI scan during pregnancy ().

How is an MRI performed during pregnancy, what can and cannot be done

For pregnant patients, there are several recommendations that will allow you to do an MRI examination during pregnancy without discomfort and get the most informative results. It is recommended to observe the following conditions for MRI during pregnancy:

1. Prepare mentally for an MRI examination in case of pregnancy and, in general, prepare yourself for the procedure.

2. If you are afraid of an MRI examination during pregnancy, you can bring an accompanying person with you to the procedure: a friend, a spouse. He will be able to stand next to you during the study and hold your hand.

3. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes that will be comfortable for MRI diagnostics during pregnancy (without metal fasteners, zippers or clips). Clothes should be warm, since procedural MRI consistently maintains a temperature of about 22-24 °C.

4. When making an appointment for an MRI during pregnancy, you can check the timing of the procedure so that you are prepared to lie still while the MRI machine scans inside a semi-closed wide-diameter tube.

With knowledge and compliance with all the above points, you can concentrate on MRI diagnostics during pregnancy, avoid panic and unnecessary excitement, which can have a bad effect on your well-being.

What does an MRI show during pregnancy?

MRI diagnostics during pregnancy makes it possible to identify the following changes in the body of a pregnant woman:

MRI during pregnancy and breastfeeding with contrast

MRI with contrast during pregnancy is used if potential neoplasms are observed in the patient’s body, as well as to determine the nature of the formation, its boundaries, and structure.

To date, no in-depth studies have been conducted in animals or humans to assess the safety of administering paramagnetic contrast for MRI examinations in pregnant women, including in the early stages. There is also no reliable information on the use of contrast agents during breastfeeding.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive method of examining the body. She is considered one of the most advanced technologies early diagnosis serious illnesses. Therefore, there is increasingly a need to do an MRI during pregnancy, which raises many questions for pregnant patients. Despite the safety of magnetic radiation, there are a number of contraindications to the procedure.

When carrying a child, hormonal changes often occur in the female body, and hidden inflammatory processes, chronic diseases are getting worse. Many women experience a decline in immunity and face viral or fungal pathologies.

The main problem for doctors is choosing the safest diagnostic method that does not pose a risk to the development of the embryo. All procedures based on X-ray radiation are prohibited. Therefore, MRI remains practically the only way to detect dangerous anomalies and neoplasms in an expectant mother.

Indications

Doctors recommend MRIs for pregnant women in the 2nd–3rd trimester, when the fetus’s main organs and systems have formed. Often during screening, a gynecologist-obstetrician notices negative points in the development of the child, abnormalities of the heart, brain, kidneys or liver.

Magnetic resonance imaging helps to conduct an accurate and informative examination of the embryo, refute or confirm a complex diagnosis. The procedure is used if standard ultrasound is questioned and there is a need for a “second opinion” from specialists.

MRI during pregnancy is also used for a comprehensive study of diseases or pathologies identified in a woman:

• pituitary tumors that disrupt the hormonal system;
• diseases of the digestive, urinary and nervous systems;
• heart defects, presence of chord;
• neoplasms in the brain or spinal cord;
• search for metastases.

Among the specific indications for MRI that occur during gestation are:

• rare respiratory or digestive infections;
• severe injuries or fractures after an accident or fall;
• tumors of the reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus);
• severe pain and spasms in the spinal column, exacerbation of neuralgia;
• congenital abnormalities of bone structure that may interfere with natural childbirth;
• suspicion of internal bleeding;
• within several years before pregnancy, the woman underwent joint implantation and uterine surgery;
• the need to assess the condition of the scar or uterine polyp;
• low attachment of the placenta after a previous cesarean section;
• incorrect presentation of the baby.

MRI is recommended if an ultrasound examination reveals severe anomalies in the fetus that are incompatible with life. As a rule, in this case it is necessary to resort to abortion, so tomography helps to exclude a fatal error.

It is mandatory to carry out when a baby has heart defects that need to be operated on within a few hours after birth: the images become the basis for planning future surgery, allowing you to correctly assess the chances of survival and recovery.

An MRI during pregnancy is a mandatory procedure for women who have had cancer or are in long-term remission. Using electromagnetic radiation, oncologists identify the slightest pathological foci in soft tissues and organs, decide on the need for interruption or the possibility of treatment after delivery.

The influence of MRI on pregnancy planning

MRI has been actively used for more than 20 years. Numerous studies by diagnosticians at European medical centers have proven that the magnetic field does not produce dangerous radiation and does not accumulate in the soft tissues and reproductive organs of a woman. In fact, the toxic effect of MRI on pregnancy has not been proven, and magnetic resonance imaging is often recommended in the diagnosis of infertility during conception planning.

Is it possible to do an MRI during pregnancy?

Despite all the proven safety of the technique, MRI during pregnancy can only be used after receiving the approval of the obstetrician observing the woman. He reviews the latest tests, checks fetal activity indicators, and gives recommendations on preparing for the procedure.

In case of increased nervousness, the gynecologist determines approved sedatives or natural-based drugs that can reduce the patient’s excitability.

Whether an MRI procedure can be performed during early pregnancy largely depends on the indications and condition of the patient. For a number of pathologies, it is difficult to conduct research in another way:

• tumors in the back of the breast;
• neoplasms in the brain;
• vascular changes, aneurysms.

• shows results with an accuracy of up to 98%;
• no cuts or punctures;
• does not cause pain;
• the ability to detect tumors ranging in size from 0.1–0.5 mm.

Can pregnant women have an MRI of the brain? Today, tomography based on electromagnetic radiation remains the only way to safely and efficiently diagnose girls in an “interesting situation.” It helps to identify the source of painful headaches, high pressure, prevents the development of stroke.

Early MRI

Despite its proven safety, the use of MRI in early pregnancy is not recommended. This is the most delicate period of formation of nerve endings, the brain and all internal organs.

Therefore, doctors try to avoid any interventions, the use of medications and procedures. But observations have shown that not a single developmental deviation was recorded in a child whose mother underwent magnetic radiation during gestation.

Contraindications for diagnosis

In addition to pregnancy at 1–3 months, there are a number of contraindications for which MRI techniques are not used:

1. Installed pacemaker (the electromagnetic field destroys the microcircuits, so the situation is life-threatening for the patient).
2. Implants made of metal alloys.
3. Special clips on the aorta or veins.
4. Body weight from 120 kg.
5. Acute heart failure.
6. Nervous disorders, overexcitation.

For claustrophobia or body weight over 120–140 kg, doctors recommend scanning using open-type machines. A pregnant patient may ask her partner to be present during this test to reduce nervousness and stress levels.

Features of the use of tomography for expectant mothers

In the 3rd trimester, gynecologists recommend having a scan while lying on your side. This will reduce the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the blood vessels. The scanner starts working 5-10 minutes after taking a pose: this is necessary so that the baby stops showing increased activity. MRI of pregnant women should not be performed with the introduction of contrast: a substance with gadolinium salts sometimes provokes severe allergic reaction.

Brain diagnostics

MRI of the brain and blood vessels during pregnancy is best performed in a special open-type device. This allows you to scan only the head and shoulder girdle, which is actually safe for the embryo. Main indications:

• stroke;
• sudden drop in vision;
• frequent fainting;
• convulsions;
• oncology.

MRI of the head during pregnancy helps to timely identify pathologies of the thyroid gland, which negatively affects the development of the embryo.

Spine diagnostics

MRI of the spine can be done in pregnant women if there are cramps and severe weakness in the spine. lower limbs. They are provoked by a change in the center of gravity in the 2nd–3rd trimester, which is fraught with severe pain. It is equally important to determine an accurate diagnosis for the following pathologies:

• osteochondrosis;
• circulatory disorders in the pelvis;
• malignant tumors;
• acute pain in the pubic area with symphysitis.

The procedure is performed without contrast and takes no more than 20 minutes.

Study with contrast

The contrast agent contains particles of the metal gadolinium, which easily penetrates the placenta into the baby’s blood. Recent studies by gynecologists have shown that the substance accumulates in the organs, provoking an allergic reaction. Therefore, MRI with contrast is not recommended during pregnancy at any stage.

Fetal MRI

A complete MRI examination of the fetus during pregnancy is carried out only as prescribed by an obstetrician. It is used only for complex pathologies that cannot be diagnosed by other methods. Tomography allows you to assess the complete development of the child’s organs and brain and see disorders at the initial stage.

How long after MRI can you get pregnant?

The safety of MRI during early pregnancy has been practically proven. Gynecologists constantly monitor the condition of patients after the procedure and confidently claim that the electromagnetic field does not affect conception. Therefore, you can become pregnant at any time without the risk of miscarriage or abnormal development embryo.