Fetal MRI
What is Fetal MRI ?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the fetus is a safe and painless imaging test that uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed pictures of the developing baby. Fetal MRI shares the same purpose as ultrasound, which is to gain insight into the baby’s health and development.
Why Is Fetal MRI Used?
Fetal MRI is used to assess the fetal anatomy and is commonly used if there is an enlarged abdomen, or if ultrasound reveals an abnormality in the baby's development.
When Is It Done?
Fetal MRI is usually done between 24-36 weeks gestation. It can also be done before 24 weeks, but it may need to be repeated after 24 weeks, depending on the clarity of the pictures.
Preparation for Fetal MRI
Before the procedure you may need to have a blood test to measure glucose levels in the mother's blood, and an ultrasound to measure the baby's size and position.
Procedure
During the procedure you will be in a specialized MRI scanner while pictures of the baby are taken. The test session usually lasts about 1 hour and is painless and non-invasive. You may be asked to hold your breath during certain parts of the procedure in order to get clearer images.
Types of Fetal MRI
- FetalMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of imaging test that uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed pictures of the developing baby.
- Functional MRI (fMRI) is a special type of MRI that measures changes in brain activity during specific tasks. It is used to assess brain development in the fetus.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) uses MRI to measure the amount of water movement in different parts of the brain.
Risks of Fetal MRI
Fetal MRI is a safe and non-invasive procedure. There are no known risks to the mother or baby associated with undergoing this procedure.