What to Expect During and After a Fetal MRI

Caring for your baby begins in the womb. If your developing baby might be at risk of a complex fetal condition based on a recent ultrasound, echocardiogram or both, your care team might refer you to a comprehensive fetal care center. There, a team of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) experts will use technology called fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to get a more detailed look beyond the ultrasound and echo.

The Fetal Care Center at Connecticut Children’s leads pregnant women through fetal MRIs every day. Andrew Healy, MD, Medical Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, shares what to expect and answers common questions.

What is a fetal MRI?

A fetal MRI is an imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to capture detailed images of a baby in the womb. With these images, doctors diagnose a condition or birth defect before a baby is born. A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physician usually performs fetal MRIs because they have extensive training in fetal imaging.

What can I expect during my first fetal MRI appointment at Connecticut Children’s?

A fetal MRI is a little different for everyone, but here’s how it works:

When it’s time, our staff will guide you into the exam area, and make sure you remove any metal from your body.
You’ll also be asked several questions about your own health to make sure the fetal MRI will not interfere with anything. For example, do you have a pacemaker or other medical insert?
You may be asked to change into “scrubs” for your comfort.
We’ll then have you lie on your back on the exam table, and guide you into a tube-like machine. The technician will explain the procedure, which lasts around 40 minutes—longer if your baby is active. They will be able to communicate with you through a microphone.
If you are at your one-day, comprehensive visit to our Fetal Care Center, you may have your scheduled lunch break or another session with our team as we prepare your results. We’ll then go over your results and come up with a care plan, usually on the same day.

Why would I need a fetal MRI?

A fetal MRI gives your care team a closer look into your baby’s suspected condition with extremely detailed images. Your doctor will be able to diagnose certain conditions that affect your developing baby’s:

•    Brain and spine
•    Face and neck
•    Chest and lungs
•    Abdominal and pelvic areas
•    Bowel, kidneys and bladder

The technology used in a fetal MRI can many conditions in utero—and begin important care and delivery planning as soon as possible

Is a fetal MRI safe for my baby?

Yes. All MRIs are non-invasive, painless and do not use radiation like an X-ray or CT scan. Think of it as a very large magnet and a computer communicating to each other. You and your baby will be completely safe throughout the test and the MRI machine’s noise.

What can I expect after a fetal MRI diagnoses my baby’s condition?

After your care team meets with you about your results, we’ll come up with clear next steps and a personalized care plan that pinpoints the specific needs for you and your baby.

We will then provide you with a comprehensive management plan that covers the remainder of your pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care, ensuring both you and your baby receive the best possible support. Of course, we will adjust your care plan as your pregnancy progresses and delivery gets closer. You can, rest assured, depend on our caring team who is here throughout your entire journey.