Podcast: Fetal MRI – a lifeline for unborn babies

Fetal MRI is a vital tool for diagnosing abnormalities in unborn babies, offering detailed images without radiation. Radiologist Dr Lauren Raubenheimer explains its role in planning delivery and neonatal care, ensuring the smallest patients receive optimal care

When an unborn baby has an abnormality, decisions about delivery and neonatal care can often be planned with the help of an MRI. In this episode, radiologist Dr Lauren Raubenheimer explains how fetal MRI cares for the smallest and most vulnerable patients – unborn babies.

“Fetal MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It uses a magnet to obtain images of the body, making it a very safe way of imaging since it doesn’t use radiation like CT or X-rays.”

She elaborates on the process, explaining that fetal MRI allows detailed visualisation of the baby while still in the mother’s womb. “We scan the mother but then focus on the baby. We can see all the details, including the uterus, placenta, umbilical cord, and the baby’s anatomy.”

Importance of fetal MRI

Raubenheimer also highlights that most fetal MRI referrals come from fetal medicine specialists following routine ultrasound screenings.

“The detailed scan usually occurs at around 20–22 weeks, where any abnormalities are first detected. Fetal MRI is typically performed in the second or third trimester to follow up on these findings. The first trimester is generally avoided due to the small size and high activity level of the fetus, as well as the lack of extensive safety research for early pregnancy MRI.”

Addressing safety concerns, Raubenheimer assured that fetal MRI is safe, with no documented evidence of harm to the developing fetus.

She also advises parents considering fetal MRIs to view it as an indispensable complement to ultrasound.

“It gives us so much more information about detected abnormalities and can uncover others not seen on ultrasound. This information is critical for prognosis, birth planning, and ensuring the baby receives necessary specialist care.”