Obstetric MRI FAQs
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Your doctor may refer you for an Obstetric MRI scan to assess the fetal anatomy and maternal conditions when previous scans or tests have provided insufficient information.
Before your procedure, your doctor will explain to you why they ordered the imaging and what they are looking for.
MRI may be requested to investigate:
- Fetal structural and brain development
- Lung, thoracic or abdominal issues
- Spine and neural tube defects
- Subtle soft tissue structure
- Maternal pelvic organs
- Twin complications
- Clearer assessment of equivocal ultrasound results
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- Please do not eat for four hours prior to your scan and do not drink for two hours prior to your appointment.
- If we are performing the MRI to look at your baby, please do not drink coffee, tea, hot chocolate or other drinks containing caffeine such as cola or energy drinks on the day of your scan. This is because caffeine or sugary foods will produce more activity in your baby and will make it more difficult to get images without motion.
- If we are performing the MRI to look at your placenta, you will be asked to empty and then hold your bladder 30 minutes prior to the scan start time.
- We recommend wearing clothes that are easy to remove as you will be asked to change into a gown. Please leave any valuables at home.
- Please bring your Medicare card with you along with any paperwork we have asked you to complete.
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- When you arrive at one of Queensland X-Ray’s MRI clinics, our reception staff will go through some questions with you to reconfirm your booking details.
- So our team can perform your scan safely and effectively, you are required to complete a patient safety questionnaire and change into a gown which we will provide. You will be asked to remove any jewellery, hearing aids, dentures and any other loose items. Your belongings will be safely stored for you during your examination.
- During the procedure we prefer you to lie flat on your back. Lying partially on your side is an alternative option.
- The bed moves inside the tunnel (which is open at both ends) and will position you with your head at one end and your body in the middle. We’ll make you as comfortable as possible using pillows and blankets.
- During your scan, you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods at a time (10-15 seconds) when requested by the radiographer. We will also need to place some equipment on top of you which helps us to obtain the best possible images of your baby.
- When the images are being taken, you will hear loud banging
noises. This is completely normal and to protect your hearing, we’ll give you earbuds and headphones. Through the headphones you’ll be able to listen to music of your choice and also hear the
radiographer talking to you. You will be given a button to press should you at any time want to talk to the radiographer or stop the scan. - The radiographer is keeping watch at all times and will be talking to you regularly throughout the scan. The scan typically takes 30 – 45 minutes to complete.
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Safety is paramount with MRI scanning, so at the time of booking your MRI and when you arrive at the MRI clinic for your appointment, you will be asked certain safety questions.
An MRI scanner is essentially a large magnet and certain metal objects like implants are not MRI safe or only safe on certain machines. Please let our booking staff and the MRI staff know if you have any of the following:
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Defibrillator
- Cochlear implants
- Neurostimulator
- Aneurysm clips
- Active implanted biomedical devices
- Infusion pump
- Continuous Glucose Monitors
- Any implants or devices in your head or body
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Most Obstetric MRI scans will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
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After the MRI is performed, all the images are thoroughly reviewed by our radiologist who specialises in obstetric MRI. This information, together with your ultrasound images are interpreted and a report provided to your referring doctor.
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To make an MRI booking online with Queensland X-Ray, access our portal here.
How much will it cost?
Fees for radiology procedures will vary depending on a variety of factors. We will advise you about the cost of your service at the time of booking but if you do have any questions, contact us and one of our team will be happy to help with your query. You can read more about our billing information here.
How do I access my images?
At Queensland X-Ray, we provide our patients with their images and results online. To access your images and results, you’ll need to register for an account when you visit one of our practices. If you’ve already registered, you can access the Patient Portal here.