Radiology | Diagnostic Radiology Questions Mri

Is it safe to have an MRI performed if pregnant?

I'm pregnant and I need to have an MRI for my knee. But are MRIs safe for women in their first trimester of pregnancy? Does it use any radiation?

4 Answers

Yes. No radiation for MRI, just magnetism and radio waves.
There is no conclusive data to suggest that MIRI is harmful to a fetus. however, there are guidelines as to how much energy is deposited to the patient during an MRI examination. It is best that we try and protect the fetus form any unnecessary energy deposition.
There is no known risk to the fetus, so, yes. Also, contrast material given IV has not been shown to affect the fetus.


Dear friends and colleagues,

After almost 11 years of service at Johns Hopkins Medicine I have relocated to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas.
My new email address is: huisman@texaschildrens.org

Kindest regards

Thierry A.G.M. Huisman
Radiologist-in-Chief and Edward B. Singleton Chair of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital
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