Is it safe to have an MRI or x-ray done during pregnancy?

I have a question regarding the safety of MRI/MRA in the first trimester of pregnancy. I underwent an MRI/MRA of the brain when I was five-and-a-half weeks pregnant. I'm very concerned about potential problems as a result of this procedure.

I am wondering whether a therapeutic abortion is appropriate or an over-reaction? Any information you can provide regarding documented and theoretical risks to the embryo would be greatly appreciated.

That's a difficult question. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a relatively new procedure -- it hasn't been used on large numbers of patients, so we don't have all the answers. It's always best to avoid unnecessary risks during pregnancy. Medical tests and procedures that aren't essential are generally delayed until after delivery. But complications occur and accidents happen. In these cases diagnostic procedures may be needed to find out what's going on, and how it could affect the health of mother and baby. Sometimes this occurs even before a woman knows she's pregnant. It's only natural to be concerned about the potential hazards in pregnancy.

A number of imaging techniques are used to take a closer look inside the body during pregnancy, including X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine studies. Most concerns center around X-rays -- radiation is considered harmful and could lead to birth defects. But the risk from radiation depends on the amount of exposure. Fortunately, most diagnostic X-rays carry little, if any, known risks to the fetus because the exposure is very small (less than 5 rad). According to the American College of Radiology, having a diagnostic X-ray does not increase the risk of birth defects or miscarriage, or stunt the growth of the developing baby.

Ultrasound is widely used today and is one of the most common imaging studies performed in pregnancy. Ultrasound doesn't use radiation. Instead sound waves are used to create images. There have been no reports of harm to mother or baby from ultrasound and it can be safely used at any time in pregnancy.

In certain circumstances nuclear medicine studies are used in pregnancy, such as when a blood clot in the lung is suspected. The amount of exposure and risk to the baby depend on the type of isotope used for the study. By selecting the right isotope, exposure can be kept very-low and well below the threshold for risk.

MRI uses magnets and radio waves instead of radiation. Magnetic resonance angiography is a special type of MRI study that focuses on blood vessels. In some cases, contrast material is used to enhance the pictures of the blood vessels. While MRI is thought to be safe in pregnancy, our experience is limited. Until we know more, MRI is best reserved for very specific situations and is generally not recommended in the first trimester. Not because of any known problems, but due to a lack of scientific proof that it's safe. On the other hand most experts prefer to use MRI at any point in pregnancy when the alternative involves radiation.

Talk to your obstetrician about your concerns. While it's impossible to say there is no risk to your baby, the risk may be exceptionally small. Keep in mind that even in the best of situations there are risks, simply because some things are out of our control.

Making healthy choices before and during pregnancy, and getting early prenatal care, can help minimize the risk, but there are still no guarantees of a perfect baby. Learning to live with the unknown, is part of becoming a parent.
Wishing you health,

Labels: Baby health, Pregnancy health