2025, Vol. 7, Issue 3, Part B

Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic tool increasingly used during pregnancy, especially in cases where ultrasonography (USG) is inconclusive or when maternal complications demand detailed imaging. However, concerns persist regarding the safety of MRI on the developing fetus, particularly during the first trimester.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 25 pregnant women who underwent non-contrast MRI scans during various stages of pregnancy. Data were categorized by trimester, clinical indication, and maternal and fetal outcomes.

Results: MRI was most frequently performed in the second trimester (56%), followed by the third (32%) and first trimester (12%). Fetal indications accounted for 44% of cases, obstetric maternal indications 32%, and non-obstetric maternal indications 24%. Among the three first-trimester cases, two were accidental exposures before pregnancy was detected. Out of 25 pregnancies, 24 resulted in live births, and only one neonatal death was reported due to unrelated maternal complications. No MRI-related adverse effects were observed in fetal development, birth weight, or maternal health.

Discussion: The study findings align with existing literature confirming that non-contrast MRI during pregnancy is safe and does not negatively impact fetal or maternal health. MRI was also found to be highly useful in diagnosing conditions that USG could not conclusively detect, helping guide clinical decisions effectively.

Conclusion: Non-contrast MRI is a safe and clinically beneficial imaging modality during pregnancy when performed for valid indications. It poses minimal risk to the fetus or mother and offers significant diagnostic value, especially in the second and third trimesters.