Fetal MRI

Fetal MRI is a developing tool for unique situations where ultrasound doesn’t provide enough information.  However, it is important to realize that ultrasound is and will remain the primary fetal monitoring technique.  The constantly moving fetus once limited MRI’s capabilities, but today’s ultrafast MRI techniques enable images to be acquired in less than one second.  These ultrafast MRI images are capable of providing valuable information without requiring maternal or fetal sedation.  Historically fetal MRI has been used if a brain abnormality is suspected by ultrasound, but it is being used more and more for other indications as well.  MRI is not necessary for every suspected fetal abnormality, but may provide valuable information in very specific situations.