MRI scans during pregnancy

On average, most MRI scans last between 20 and 60 minutes, but in some cases, they can take longer. The length of your scan depends on how many images need to be taken and if an MRI contrast injection is required.

MRI contrast may help highlight certain tissues more clearly in your scan. A small cannula will be placed in a vein in your arm to allow the contrast dye to be gently injected. We assess the use of contrast in MRI scans during pregnancy on a case-by-case basis. It’s usually only used in an MRI scan during pregnancy when it is absolutely necessary, as it can cross the placenta, and the long-term effects are not fully known.  

If contrast is essential for your diagnosis, your consultant will discuss the risks and benefits with you so you can make an informed decision. 

In most cases, you are lying on your back (supine) on the MRI scan table, either feet-first or head-first. The direction you lie in is dependent on what area of the body is to be scanned. For example:

• Head, neck and thoracic spine scans use head-first orientation
• Feet, ankle and knee scans use feet-first orientation
• Abdomen, pelvis or lumbar spine scans can, in most cases, be in either direction

Some MRI scans, however, may require you to lie on your front (Prone) for your scan; these include hand, wrist, elbow and breast MRI scans. Your radiographer will explain and position you accordingly to the scanner type and coil choice for your particular MRI scan.

As your pregnancy progresses, staying in these positions for a prolonged period of time may be uncomfortable. If this is the case, we’ll support you with cushions or adapt positions to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Some of our specialist MRI scans may require you to fast for a few hours prior to your scan, or to arrive early to drink a preparation. If this is a requirement for your scan, this will be communicated to you at the time of booking for your MRI scan during pregnancy. 

Yes, in most cases you’ll still be able to have an MRI scan, but it may take longer to schedule your appointment. 

If you have a pacemaker or another type of implant inside your body, it is very important that the radiography team is made aware of this implant before you come for your MRI scan. 

We may need time to request additional documented evidence of the make and model number of your device, who carried out the surgery, and/or in which facility you had the device implanted. 

This information will allow the radiography team to establish the safety rating of the implant*, have the radiologist protocol your MRI scan and prepare any safety measures required to carry out your MRI scan safely. 

In some cases, implants may require the presence of specialist staff to attend your MRI scan. They may be needed to fit additional kit to your device to make it safe or to monitor you during your scan. 

Pacemaker patients, for example, will require a cardiac technician to be present to put your pacemaker into ‘safe mode’ and to reset it when the scan is complete. 

*Please note that if your implanted device is found not to be compatible for any reason, then this will be communicated to you and/or your referring doctor or consultant. If you have any further questions or need advice about what alternative imaging techniques are available to you, please consult your doctor or consultant.

Yes, you can. If you require a copy of your images for any reason, please let the radiographer know at the time of your scan. 

We have a dedicated team that provides this service and they’re reachable via email at any time after your scan. You’ll need to tell them your full name, date of birth and address, the type of scan you had and the date it took place*. 

The team will then be able to contact you (via email) when your images are available and provide instructions on how to access your images. You’ll be able to download a copy of your images for yourself and/or share the images with anyone of your choosing.

*Please be aware that if you do not provide the required information to process your request, this may delay access to your images.

The cost of your MRI scan varies, depending on what body part (or parts) are to be scanned, whether contrast dye is required and if any specialist teams are needed in addition to your MRI scan. 

If you need to find out more about our MRI costs, please call the Self Pay team on 0207 234 2948, so we can put you in touch with the relevant team at your chosen facility.

Children under the age of 16 cannot be left unattended while you have your scan. Please arrange childcare for when you visit our facilities for an MRI scan. 

However, if you have an adult family member with you when you are visiting us, then they’ll need to be responsible for your child/children while you have your scan.

Please be aware that if you have brought a child with you for a consultation with one of our doctors and they refer you for an MRI scan on the same day, you’ll need to find childcare if you wish to stay for your scan. 

Our staff cannot be responsible for your dependents while you undergo any imaging procedure at our facilities. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding with our policy that ensures the safety of your children.

In order for you to make an appointment for an MRI scan, we must first receive a referral letter (imaging request form) from your GP or other registered health professional with referral rights. You can also book an appointment with one of our HCA UK private GPs, who can refer you directly for your MRI scan with us.