Can pregnant patients undergo MRI examinations?
Sep 03, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xia Haocheng
Introduction
Although MRI is known to have no harmful biological effects in adults, its effects on the fetus remain unclear. Currently, data regarding the impact of MRI on the fetus are limited. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus is theoretically more sensitive to magnetic fields than adults, and exposure may pose potential adverse effects. Therefore, MRI is generally not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Although MRI is known to have no harmful biological effects in adults, its effects on the fetus remain unclear. Currently, data regarding MRI’s impact on the fetus are limited. However, the fetus during the first trimester is theoretically more sensitive to magnetic fields than adults, as exposure may pose potential adverse effects. Therefore, MRI is generally not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The American College of Radiology states that MRI may be performed at any stage of pregnancy, provided a careful risk–benefit analysis indicates that the examination is expected to provide greater benefit than potential risk to the patient.
