Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Hanoi French Hospital cares about the health of all our patients, never more than for the health of your unborn baby. HFH has a long tradition of excellence in mother-and-child care, which we now expand with a special diagnotic offering: a detailed exam of your unborn child: faetal MRI.

What is fetal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

A fetal MRI is a totally noninvasive imaging test that offers very detailed information about the anatomic structures of your unborn child, providing clear, high-resolution images. MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnetic field, rather than radiation, to obtain pictures for evaluation. In an ultrafast fetal MRI, images are quickly captured using a “snapshot” technique without any risk to mother or child.

Fetal MRI can supplement the information obtained from your high-resolution fetal ultrasound and can provide additional information regarding your baby’s condition. It can be performed in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy. This examination is specifically used to evaluate possible abnormalities in your baby's brain, spine, or body. MRI may be used to confirm an ultrasound diagnosis or add significant, additional diagnostic information in complex cases.

Who is involved in obtaining a fetal MRI?

• If your doctor recommends a fetal MRI, you will meet with a registered MRI technologist. S/He will explain, support and guide you through the process. Before the MRI is performed, the attending radiologist will also meet with you for a consultation and it will be s/he who will thoroughly review the obtained images after the procedure.

Is fetal MRI safe?

MRI systems produce a magnetic field and radiofrequency energy that allow to create clear images of the unborn child inside your body. This method is completely safe to be routinely used for patients of all ages as well as for pregnant women. To date, there has been no indication at all that MR imaging during pregnancy could produce any harmful effects. As such, MRI in pregnancy is considered as standard care by the American College of Radiology.

Preparing for your MRI

Before entering the MRI room, you will be asked to fill out a metal screening form to ensure you have no items on or within you that are not safe for the MRI exam. You will be asked to remove all metal items and jewelry before the examination, so we recommend that you consider not wearing these items on the day of your scan.

You should not have caffeine or sugary foods four hours before your MRI procedure, as these foods produce more activity in the nborn child and will make it more difficult to get images without motion.

We will ask you to empty your bladder before the MRI as the exam may take up more than 30 minutes; with a full bladder, you will feel uncomfortable. If you want to listen to music during your scan, you can request this of the technician and choose your favourite music to enjoy.

What happens during a MRI exam?

The MRI technologist will guide and support you to place your lower body into the MRI cage.

You will be asked to lie on your back on the MRI table and not to  move during the whole exam. If lying on your back makes you uncomfortable, then please let the technologist know and he can place a bolster under your knees to help take the pressure off of your lower back.  Lying partially on your side is an alternative option. Please discuss this when you meet with the MRI technician.

No injections are used during MRI exam

Some patients may experience some claustrophobia. In this case, a family member can be in the room with you while the MRI is performed.

A routine MRI procedure typically takes 25-45 minutes, although it may take longer if your baby were to be moving around a lot.

The technologist will speak with you through the scan. Please ask him/ her for any support you may require at any time to make you feel comfortable. He/ she will give you instructions to hold your breath only when needed.

After the MRI is done, all images are thoroughly reviewed by the attending radiologist. You will receive a  written result report and disk containing the image from the radiologist who will explain and discuss further with you and your family when results are available.

Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Marketing Department at (84-24) 3577 1100 or send us an inquiry here.