What is Fetal MRI?

Fetal MRI is performed if the doctor finds symptoms and signs that would contain any doubts about the baby on the ultrasound images during pregnancy. In fetal MRI, the baby is evaluated from 2 different angles. The first is to assess whether there are any problems with the central nervous system.

This is to determine any anomalies in brain structure, brain small expansions in the gaps to determine whether an anomaly in the structure of the spinal cord is fairly advanced in the determination of fetal fetal MRI gives detailed information.

Fetal MRI is not requested from every pregnant woman. However, Fetal MRI is an upper examination that the obstetrician wants to ensure that he makes a complete diagnosis depending on any condition that he doubts in the ultrasound images.

How is Fetal MRI Performed?

Fetal MRI is an imaging method performed in cases where women are easily needed during pregnancy because it does not contain radiation.  However, although there is no radiation in fetal MRI, it is an imaging taken in the period after the first 3 months of pregnancy.

It is desirable in case of any doubts about the health of the baby. The need for fetal MRI evaluation, with this examination, problems related to the baby’s central nervous system and the examination of the spinal cord structure are usually examined.

It is performed for imaging and evaluation of whether there are conditions of the liver, lungs, gallbladder or possible inflammation of other organs of the baby.

It is an examination that is performed by placing the expectant mother’s head on the MRI device so that the MRI image can be taken, and giving the mother a position so that the radiology doctor or specialist technical staff can fully view the baby’s position.

In Fetal MRI performed during pregnancy, intravenous contrast agent is usually not given to the mother and is definitely requested after the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Why is Fetal MRI Performed?

Fetal MRI, also called fetal anomaly scan, is an upper examination as a result of finding any suspicious findings in the ultrasonic images of the mother after the first 3 months.

Especially in pregnancies with down syndrome, down syndrome can be understood by 80 percent in ultrasonic images.  However, some of them, such as twenty percent, do not fully show symptoms during ultrasonic examination.

MRI examination is one of the methods that gives much more detailed information than ultrasonic imaging and can be displayed for all anomalies of the baby. However, fetal MRI examination is not requested from every mother.  However, Fetal MRI is requested in case any findings raise doubts.

Any possible anomaly of the baby is usually detected immediately on fetal MRI images.  Therefore, in this case, the mother is informed about the termination or continuation of pregnancy.

It has also been observed that there are extremely high diagnosis rates, especially in examinations performed by perinatology specialists.  It is impossible for people who do ultrasonography in other branches to know each subject perfectly because they have to deal with multiple subjects.

In our country, where there are about one and a half million births per year, it is not possible for all pregnant women to be seen and examined by a perinatology specialist.  Especially high-risk pregnancy it may be necessary to consult perinatology specialists at certain periods.

However, pregnant women should be sent to doctors who specialize in this issue. The perinatology specialist is also a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.

A chart which is necessary in patients detailed ultrasound, diagnostic tests, pregnancy and also a consultancy service to the patient about the problem of re-detailed to return to their doctor in order to help it is beneficial that is done by a specialist perinatal risk.

How Long Does Fetal MRI Take?

Radiological examinations also have certain rules.  When these are followed, the dosage will not harm the baby.  In other words, Fetal MRI can be performed according to certain rules.  MRI works according to the principle of magnetic resonance.  There is no X-ray in it, but there is still a mechanism by which images can be taken.

However, the classic information is that MRI can be performed during pregnancy.  It can be easily withdrawn after the first 3 months. It may be attracted to pregnant, due to various health problems, it is desirable to understand whether there are problems in the baby after birth, especially the brain, and to be convinced. There is no need for the patient to prepare for fetal MRI examination in advance.

The patient is placed on the MRI machine with his head out, the mother is given a position so that a full image of the baby is taken, and the shooting process is started.

The radiology specialist or radiology technicians performing the shooting procedure give commands to the expectant mother such as holding her breath and letting go of her breath for certain periods of time. He should not move and the Fetal MRI scan is completed in approximately 45 -50 minutes.

Do I Need Preparation Before Fetal MRI Examination?

Before fetal MRI, the patient does not need to come to the imaging center by making any preparations.  A different shot is not applied than other MRI scans. However, in order for a fetal MRI to be performed, the mother’s pregnancy must be older than 12 weeks.

The mother is placed in the MRI device with her head out.  In order for the desired full image of the baby to be taken, the mother is given a position and an MRI scan takes place. In fetal MRI, the mother is usually not given a contrast agent intravenously.

When it is deemed necessary, it also happens that a contrast agent is given in cases where a wider detailed examination is required.  However, this is decided by the radiology physician. Approximately, the MRI shooting process takes place in a period of 45-50 minutes.  After the shooting procedure, the patient continues his daily life.

During What Period of Pregnancy Can Fetal MRI Be Performed?

The first 3 months of pregnancy are the stage of the baby’s formation phase.  Therefore, Fetal MRI is requested in the periods after 12 weeks of pregnancy in cases where it is not very urgent and necessary.  Since fetal MRI does not contain X-ray, it does not cause any harm to the baby and mother.  However, despite this, it was still considered appropriate not to do it in the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Fetal MRI Prices 2025

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