Can First-Trimester MRI or Gadolinium Harm the Fetus?

Imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be important adjuncts in the evaluation and diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions. However, uncertainty about safety issues of these modalities for pregnant women and their infants often results in avoidance of useful diagnostic tests.

To evaluate safety of MRI use during pregnancy for the fetus, researchers assessed the risk for stillbirth or neonatal death within 28 days of birth and risk for any congenital anomaly from birth to age 4 years. They also assessed the risk associated with gadolinium exposure for connective tissue diseases, skin disease resembling nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), or rheumatologic infiltrative skin conditions.

Among 1,424,105 deliveries (48% girls;…