Contraindication

As a rule, the generally valid contraindications apply for the performance of an MRI examination during pregnancy. Since a magnetic resonance scanner works with a strong magnetic field, persons who carry electromagnetic products in their bodies must not be examined by MRI. The following groups of persons may not be examined by MRI (further contraindications):Patients with: Although it is assumed that the unborn child is completely safe to undergo an MRI examination during pregnancy, the first trimester of pregnancy (early pregnancy, the first three months of pregnancy) is considered a contraindication for the preparation of MRI sectional images.In general, however, even during late pregnancy, the performance of an MRI examination may only take place under strict indication.

Pacemaker (for example a heart or bladder pacemaker)
Implanted insulin or pain pumps
Recently implanted joint prostheses
Metal vessel clips
Neurostimulators
Cochlear Implant
Older middle ear implants
Magnetically adhesive dentures.

According to the current state of knowledge, there is no specific risk when making MRI sectional images during pregnancy. This means that it cannot be assumed that the strong magnetic field can cause damage to the unborn child. Nevertheless, especially during early pregnancy, i.e. during the first three months of pregnancy, it is not recommended to perform an MRI examination.

However, in order to ensure that a previously undetected risk remains as low as possible during late pregnancy, MRI examinations of expectant mothers should only be performed in urgent cases. For patients, however, the general risk applies during pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should also make sure that breastfeeding is suspended for at least 24 hours after the administration of a contrast medium.

Otherwise there is a risk of contrast agent intoxication for the breastfed child. In healthy individuals, no long-term risks and side effects can be expected, regardless of whether or not a pregnancy is present. In contrast to computed tomography or conventional X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging even has the advantage that the patient under examination does not need to be exposed to X-rays.

Consequently, there is no risk of X-ray induced malformations of the unborn child during pregnancy. Only for patients who carry electromagnetic foreign bodies is there a certain risk when performing an MRI examination. For this reason, magnetic foreign objects such as coins, keys, jewelry or hair clips should be removed before the examination and stored outside the examination room. Otherwise, the strong magnetic field can draw these objects into the MRI scanner, accelerate them inside the examination tube and injure the patient. In this context, one speaks of a so-called bullet effect.