Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (prenatal MRI)
Fetal MRI in Casablanca
Fetal MRI is performed during pregnancy to study the baby, and sometimes the placenta, with more precision than ultrasound on certain points. It does not use X-rays and is most often done without injection. It does not replace follow-up ultrasounds: it complements them when an abnormality has been seen or suspected, particularly in the brain. It is requested by the doctor monitoring the pregnancy or by a prenatal diagnosis center.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the baby's movements and the regions to be studied.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Abnormality of the fetal brain seen or suspected on ultrasound, for example enlarged cerebral ventricles.
- Malformation of the chest, abdomen or kidneys to be clarified.
- Infection during pregnancy that could affect the baby's brain, according to the doctor's opinion.
- Suspected abnormal attachment of the placenta (placenta accreta), particularly after a cesarean section.
- Ultrasound that is difficult to interpret, for example when there is little amniotic fluid.
- Additional assessment of a complicated twin pregnancy.
How the exam is done
After the safety questionnaire has been checked, you are most often positioned on your back, with cushions under your knees, or turned slightly onto your left side if lying flat makes you uncomfortable: the weight of the uterus can then compress a large vein and make you feel faint. A flexible coil is placed on your abdomen.
The sequences are very short, because the baby moves. A series is sometimes repeated when the baby changes position, which is normal. Breathe calmly; you may be asked to hold your breath briefly. Report any feeling of faintness, nausea or warmth right away: the exam is stopped and your position is adjusted. You then leave with no particular precautions.
Preparation
- Unless you are told otherwise, eat normally and lightly before coming.
- Empty your bladder just before entering the room.
- Wear comfortable clothing with no metal; you may be offered a gown.
- When you book, mention claustrophobia or feeling faint when lying down.
Fasting
No fasting is needed.
Contrast injection
Generally no injection is given, because gadolinium is avoided during pregnancy. An exception is only discussed in a very specific situation, between the radiologist and your doctor.
Contraindications and precautions
- First trimester: fetal MRI is not performed at this stage; it is scheduled later depending on the indication.
- Contractions, bleeding or loss of fluid on the day of the exam: contact your doctor first.
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator in the mother, depending on their MRI compatibility.
- Cochlear implant, old vascular clip, implanted pump or metal fragment in the eye.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Extensive tattoos or permanent makeup.
- Severe claustrophobia or inability to stay lying down, so that the positioning can be adapted.
Documents to bring
- Prescription or letter from the obstetrician-gynecologist or the prenatal diagnosis center
- Reports and images of the pregnancy ultrasounds, particularly the most recent one
- Date the pregnancy started or expected due date
- Test results related to the indication, for example serology tests
- Prenatal care record and insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of fetal MRI varies depending on the baby's organ to be studied; the exam is done without gadolinium injection during pregnancy.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is MRI dangerous for my baby?
Available studies have not shown any harmful effect of MRI without injection performed in the second or third trimester. The amniotic fluid dampens the noise. However, the exam is only offered when the doctor considers that it provides useful information for the pregnancy.
At what point in the pregnancy is it performed?
Most often in the second or third trimester, generally after 20 weeks of amenorrhea. For the brain, a later date is sometimes chosen, because certain structures can only be properly assessed from a certain stage. The exact timing is set by your doctor according to the question being asked.
What if my baby moves a lot?
This is common and expected. The sequences are fast, and blurred ones can be repeated. You have nothing special to do, other than staying relaxed. In the vast majority of cases, the exam can be completed.
Why an MRI if the ultrasound has already been done?
Ultrasound remains the basic exam for monitoring. MRI is requested in addition when a finding needs to be clarified, because it offers a wide field of view and good tissue contrast, particularly of the brain. Its results are discussed with your doctor, who explains what they mean.
Fetal MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of fetal MRI varies depending on the baby's organ to be studied; the exam is done without gadolinium injection during pregnancy. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.