Research suggests MRIs safe in first trimester

A new study has shown that use of MRI scans in the first trimester does not harm the baby, although use of a contrast agent is still considered unsafe.

Researchers analysed 1 million births between 2003 and 2013 in Ontario, Canada. Approximately 1 in 250 women had undergone an MRI, with 1,200 being in the first trimester, and 3,000 with gadolinium contrast. The health of the babies were later followed up from birth until four years of age. (Gadolinium contrast is a material that makes internal structures, such as blood vessels, more visible).

Researchers concluded from the results, that MRI scans in the first trimester were not associated to risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, neonatal death, cancer, congenital defects, or hearing loss in children. However, when the gadolinium contrast was used, this risk appeared to rise.

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