Finding the right tests…
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
MRI
A foetal MRI is done during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester, to get a closer look at something an ultrasound has already flagged as unclear, most often a possible abnormality of the baby's brain or spine. It doesn't replace your routine pregnancy ultrasound; doctors use it alongside ultrasound, not instead of it, when more detail is needed. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves rather than X-rays, so no ionizing radiation reaches you or your baby, which matters given how many scans a pregnancy can involve. Because ultrasound accuracy can decline later in pregnancy, MRI is sometimes preferred at that stage for a clearer picture.
The scan produces detailed images of your baby's brain, spine, and other structures where ultrasound findings were unclear. Your report describes what the radiologist sees compared with the earlier ultrasound findings, which your doctor uses to confirm, rule out, or better characterize a suspected abnormality.
Ultrasound stays the standard first screening tool in pregnancy because it's quick, widely available, and shows the baby moving in real time. Foetal MRI is reserved for situations where ultrasound raises a question it can't fully answer on its own, particularly involving the baby's brain and central nervous system.
- Sharper detail of brain structures when an ultrasound finding is uncertain - A second look when the mother's body build or low fluid around the baby makes ultrasound harder to interpret - Confirmation that can occasionally rule out a false alarm from an earlier ultrasound
MRI does not use ionizing radiation, a real advantage during pregnancy compared with imaging that does. Current evidence has not shown non-contrast MRI to harm the developing baby, though doctors generally avoid it in the first trimester unless there's an urgent medical reason, and prefer the second or third trimester when it's needed.
Foetal MRI is a follow-up tool, not a routine pregnancy scan. It's ordered for a specific reason your doctor identifies, not in place of your scheduled ultrasound visits.
No. It's used alongside ultrasound, usually to look more closely at something an ultrasound has already flagged. Your routine pregnancy ultrasounds still continue as scheduled.
MRI does not use ionizing radiation, and current evidence has not shown non-contrast MRI to harm the developing baby. Your doctor will still weigh the timing and reason for the scan carefully.
MRI can give more detail in situations where ultrasound findings are unclear, such as certain brain or spine concerns. It also helps when the mother's body build or fluid levels make ultrasound harder to read.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
It's most often done in the second or third trimester. Earlier scans are generally reserved for urgent situations, and your doctor will advise on timing for your case.
Foetal MRI is typically done without contrast dye during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or the centre for specifics about your scan.
It generally takes longer than routine MRI exams because it needs to account for the baby moving during the scan. Ask your doctor or the centre for a time estimate.
Your doctor will review the findings with you and explain what they mean for your pregnancy and delivery planning. They may also recommend further tests or specialist input if needed.