MRI during pregnancy?

I'm a participant in a research study being conducted by Columbia & Mt. Sinai Medical Centers studying how managing body weight during pregnancy affects women and their babies. Most of the study is pretty easy - I record what I eat, meet with a nutritionist a few times each month, etc. However, they want me to do a full body MRI next week, at 15 weeks. This part is not mandatory, so I'm on the fence. I'm all about helping with research, and they've assured me that MRI in 2nd trimester is safe. But I also feel like I shouldn't subject my baby to something that is 100% unnecessary from the standpoint of my health.

So, my question is, has anyone had an MRI when pregnant? Or, if you were me, would you participate or decline?

MRI during pregnancy?

If it were me I wouldn't do the MRI- especially because it's not mandatory for the study. I am all for research as well and conduct research in my field, however as a researcher I wouldn't push an MRI while pregnant and as a participant I would never consider it. Just my opinion!

MRI during pregnancy?

Yea if you don't need it then no I wouldn't do it.

Re: MRI during pregnancy?

Re: MRI during pregnancy?

I work for a radiology company. Definitely do not get a full body MRI pregnant, that is a lot of radiation.

ETA: Because the MRI is a magnet there is no way to shield the little one (like they do when you get X-Rays).

Message edited 8/14/2015 9:48:15 AM.

Re: MRI during pregnancy?

Thanks for all the opinions. I was leaning towards opting out, but wasn't sure if I was being overly cautious.

Since it's MRI, there's no radiation (magnetic only), but I still figure why subject baby to something that's not necessary.

MRI during pregnancy?

I would not do anything that is not needed. Who knows if it is safe or not. I am all for helping science but not at the risk of potentailly harming my baby!

Re: MRI during pregnancy?

I had to have one at 20w to check my babys brain...it was called a fetal mri but it was done in a regular mri machine.they just scanned my belly area. the machine itself needed to be the low voltage one because of the pregnancy.

Re: MRI during pregnancy?

There is no radiation with MRIs and unlike CT scans, plenty of pregnant hospital workers work in MRI suites (where, yes, the magnet is on).

It's your call. I personally don't think it is unsafe at all... But I would not do it (because they take a long time and are a PITA).

MRI during pregnancy?

I think it's very nice of you to volunteer to participate in a research study. I work in the field and people like you are the reason the medical community have made the advances we see every day.

That being said, an MRI IS safe during pregnancy. However, if you're not comfortable don't feel pressured into getting one. It is your decision and there is nothing wrong with saying no if you don't want to do it.