Has anyone had an MRI scan during pregnancy?

[ButAIBUtho]

How long did it take?
Did it take longer because the baby kept moving? (It's taken over an hour for in-depth fetal cardiology scans because he kept moving).
I'm claustrophobic, can I get out if I suddenly panic? Which is likely. Even more likely if I cannot physically remove myself under own steam.
I assume I cannot have sedation.

Not had one in pregnancy but have had a lot of MRI scans. If it's of your lower body ask to go in feet first due to anxiety. I've had full blown panic attacks in the machine before (45min head scan) and pressed the panic button and they got me out immediately. Since I knew I had attacks I've always asked to have someone in the room to hold my leg or shoulder and they've always been accomodating of that.

Hello I did. I had one on my heart. It was absolutely fine. It took about an hour and the person talked me through it.

I'm glad to hear that there is a panic button.

darkriver I'm glad it was fine for you, but you didn't answer any of my questions, your post isn't helpful at all.

MilkComa because you were prone to panic, were you offered sedation?

I tell a lie, you did say it took an hour.

Thank you.

That's a blooming long time.

I've had one during pregnancy whilst suffering from hyperemesis. I was really worried that I'd need to vomit & be stuck in the machine.
Things that helped - I closed my eyes before I went in & didn't open them at all so I didn't see if it was tight for space.
I took a maggie Howell pregnancy relaxation CD with me that they played in the scanner, that really helped.
The staff promised they would get me out ASAP if I pressed the buzzer - they give you a button to hold. They can also talk to you.
The other thing that helped was going prepared, you can't have any metal at all. I went in an odd assortment of clothing that was completely metal free so there was no messing around & we just got on with it. I think I was more comfortable in tshirt & joggers than a hospital gown as well.
Good luck, it'll be fine & over with before you know it.

It was suggested but I declined it as it would have meant seeing my GP for diazepam and then not being able to drive etc. Much easier to have someone in the room with me to calm me down.

Thank you.
Rainbowgrim can I assume that sedation isn't an option when pregnant?

I'd imagine probably not but would be worth a conversation with your doctors.
I honestly didn't think I'd be able to do it but I did.

I have MRI’s every quarter for life and did throughout my IVF pregnancy too when they did the usual spine & hips as well as my brain for suspected blood clot. Mine usually last 45mins and twice now I have been so ill I actually fell asleep despite the loud noise.

You may feel a sudden jerking forwards or backwards but they usually tell you before this happens.

The staff were fab, I could have chosen a radio station to listen to or take a CD for them to put on.

The panic button is there to be used, so do press it if needed.

I can’t see them offering sedation as that involves more medical people coming from different departments I’m afraid.

Congratulations on your baby xx

I had to have an MRI to check my baby, obviously whilst pregnant!

Being honest it did take longer than the usual because baby kept moving, but time sort of goes differently when you’re in there anyway. They didn’t offer me sedation, though I didn’t actually check if it was an option or not to be fair, so wouldn’t want to tell you a fib.

I do detest enclosed spaces and shared the same feelings as you’re describing. There is a panic button so you can ask to get out if you need to. They popped some music on through the headphones and they do talk to you intermittently so you don’t feel like you’re totally abandoned!

I’m not sure if it helps or not, but, I kept mentally repeating that I was doing the best for my baby, saying I was keeping him safe. I also kept moving my eyes so I could see the light, it helped knowing I could see freedom (if that makes sense!). I’m not going to say it was the best experience of my life, but it honestly was bearable.

I hope you get on ok and that your baby is safe.

I had one on my kidneys and bladder
It took about an hour
I was very upset and I was frightened but I did it
I wasn't sedated as I was pregnant
It was needed to know how to treat me

I'm sorry you have to go through this but it will be a really helpful diagnostic tool

Just to reassure you that you can get out. I had a head scan with my head in the cage. They let me practise wriggling out. Even with head cage I could actually get out. It made a big difference. Also close your eyes before you go in. Next time I would wear an eye mask.

Yes I had one of my placenta whilst pregnant. Took about half an hour. I just closed my eyes and listened to the music although maybe an audio book might have been better to take my mind off the lack of space and the noise of the scanner as it would have held my concentration.

I'm claustrophobic and had an mri (although not during pregnancy) so my tips for dealing with it are:

Have minimal strapping down mine was on my head and I said no to the blocks and tape round my head, I just stayed very still

Wear warm comforting familiar clothes. They want to put a heavy blanket on me and that freaked me out so I whizzed out and put my enormous cosy cardigan on.

Keep your eyes closed as soon as you get on the bed so you don't see the inside or when you go in

I actually opened mine once in for a a bit once I'd been in for a while and was used to it and it wasn't that bad.

And finally try to mind over matter it. It will be fine. Big kiss!

Thank you, I've found your posts really reassuring. Especially the bit about music and the panic button.

The scan is on the baby's heart, so it won't be a half an hour job unfortunately. It will take longer because it's so small and he moves. A LOT.
Good idea to tell myself it's for the baby, that is likely to bring me back down to Earth a bit.

I had an MRI when I was eight months’ pregnant, and I’m claustrophobic, too. I told them beforehand that I was claustrophobic, and that having my head covered caused me to have panic attacks, and they were very reassuring and kind. They talked to me the whole way through the scan, and checked I was okay all the time, and told me they would pull me out of the scanner any time I wanted, which really helped. The scan took about an hour and a half as my baby was so active that it took ages for them to get the shots they needed. Afterwards they told me my baby was really cute and offered to send me some pictures on DVD.

Oh lovely!
I will be 8 months pregnant as well. I guess that's the best time for them to see what they need.
I feel dizzy when I lay on my back as well, so that won't help matters.