Besides ultrasound, the main advanced imaging options considered safe or used during pregnancy include:
- MRI is considered safe during pregnancy as it does not involve ionizing radiation. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images, especially of soft tissues.
- It is preferred over computed tomography (CT) when detailed imaging is needed and ultrasound is insufficient, particularly for neurologic, musculoskeletal, or placental assessments.
- Use of gadolinium-based contrast agents during pregnancy is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary due to theoretical risks, but non-contrast MRI is safe.
- CT scans use X-rays and involve ionizing radiation, so they are usually avoided during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh potential risks, such as in emergency situations (e.g., trauma, pulmonary embolism).
- When used, radiation doses are minimized, and shielding is applied to protect the fetus as much as possible.
- Includes techniques like ventilation-perfusion lung scans, thyroid scans, and bone scans. These also involve ionizing radiation and are used sparingly during pregnancy, only when essential.
- Some isotopes (like technetium-99m) are safer and used if imaging is critical during pregnancy; others (like radioactive iodine) are contraindicated.
| Imaging Type | Radiation Involved | Safety in Pregnancy | Typical Use |
| Ultrasound | No | Safe, first choice for prenatal imaging | Routine pregnancy monitoring |
| MRI (non-contrast) | No | Safe, used when detailed imaging needed | Soft tissue, placenta, brain imaging |
| CT Scan | Yes (X-ray) | Limited use, only if benefits > risks | Emergency or complex diagnosis |
| Nuclear Medicine Imaging | Yes (radioisotopes) | Limited use, specific isotopes preferred | Pulmonary embolism, thyroid scans |
In conclusion, ultrasound and MRI are the preferred and safest advanced imaging options during pregnancy, while CT and nuclear medicine scans are reserved for urgent or essential cases with careful risk-benefit analysis.
If you’re facing pregnancy concerns like nausea, back pain, dizziness, cramps, spotting, or worries about travelling, getting timely guidance is important. A skilled gynecologist can assess pregnancy safety, manage complications, provide ultrasound evaluations, and guide you on safe travel. You can consult Dr. Sofia Manzoor a leading gynecologist with 16 years of experience. She’s known for handling infertility cases, high-risk cases, travel-related concerns, and overall women’s health with expertise and care.
