Contrast medium | Is an MRI in pregnancy dangerous – what should be considered?

Contrast medium

According to the guidelines/guidelines, an MRI examination during pregnancy should only be performed in exceptional cases. During early pregnancy, i.e. during the first three months of pregnancy, the guidelines/guidelines even state that the preparation of MRI sectional images should be completely avoided. According to the guidelines/guidelines, no harmful influence of the magnetic field on the unborn child has been proven to date.

However, a risk cannot be reliably excluded due to a lack of studies. For this reason, the guidelines place particular emphasis on the fact that a risk-benefit analysis should always be performed when considering whether an MRI should be performed. Only in cases where the benefit to the expectant mother outweighs the risk to the unborn child and no alternative diagnostic measures (e.g. ultrasound) are appropriate, should an MRI be performed during pregnancy.

What can be seen on the MRI of the pelvis during pregnancy?

The MRI can also be used during pregnancy to measure the pelvis of the expectant mother. This examination method helps to determine how much space is available in the birth canal for the baby. This, in turn, can provide information in cases of doubt as to whether vaginal birth is even possible or whether problems may arise due to the pelvis being too narrow.

In this way, an MRI of the pelvis during pregnancy can help to determine whether a Caesarean section should be performed. Due to the fact that an imbalance between the head of the unborn child and the birth canal is one of the most common causes of prolonged births, the preparation of a pelvic MRI ́s during pregnancy and before birth may be useful.