MRI Scan - what are the risks?

[Newtothis2021]

Hi everyone.
I have a heart condition so due to have an MRI.
The cardiologist and MRI receptionist have told me they don't 'think' there are any risks to bump and today at obstetrics I was told they only do MRI if needed but not prior to 12 weeks
NHS website just says long term effects are unknown
Does anyone know what or if there are any risks to having an mri. I'll be 24 weeks then

Thanks lou

Hi I'm an MRI radiographer & the information is correct. MRI hasn't been around long enough to know what the long term effects are. I currently don't enter the scan room for this reason, but I'm not a patient.

If your doctor feels that the MRI is absolutely necessary in order to treat your heart condition then I would say you should definitely have it. We advise patients that they should have scans after the first trimester so at 24 weeks you will be fine. We often scan pregnant women to assess problems in pregnancy/problems with the foetus.

Hi JackJack
That makes perfect sense thank you so much for replying.
The thing is it's not really necessary, my cardiologist is excellent and looks after me so well but isn't worried about my heart and has said that an echo would be fine but is just doing an mri because he can get a more accurate reading but he wasn't really fussed if the mri didn't come through in time and I just had an echo instead as he isn't worried about my heart.
I'm so lucky to have such a thorough Doctor but I just don't want to put baby at any unknown risk or through treatments if its not actually needed I suppose.

Lou

Sounds like your doctor is pretty sensible so that's good. Could you ask if you could delay your scan until after you've delivered if it's not urgent?