US PREGNANCY FETAL ECHO

Fetal Interventional Overview

With advancements in imaging techniques, the clinicians have changed the approach of assessing a fetus. For example, fetal MRI is one of the imaging procedures that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to take images of a fetus. This procedure does not use radiation and the resultant images are of good quality. In comparison to any other imaging techniques, fetal MRI possesses a better depiction of soft tissues and can take images from multiple planes, making it especially helpful in the assessment of complicated fetal developmental disorder as well as aiding perinatal care. 

Fetal MRI is mainly done after ultrasound has shown some anomaly in the fetus. The fetal MRI is done in two stages. Initially, preparation: In this step, the patient wears loose clothing, preferably with no metallic zippers or snaps; or the healthcare provider instructs the patient about necessary preparations. Finally, the actual procedure. As a result of MRI, three-dimensional images of the unborn child are created. 

What is Fetal MRI? 

Fetal MRI Analysis is a phenomenon which makes use of a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer. It is used to scan the complete fetus and pregnant woman.” The MRI machine works by sliding the pregnant patient on a table into a large disk.” The oxygen protons from the hydrogen in water molecules are given off from the molecules in the body and are noticed by the MRI and put into pictures on the LED screen. 

Radiation exposure is not a risk as MRI does not involves ionizing radiation because ion spears gets converted into images through electrical currents or natural magnetism of the body MRI turns out to be a sophisticated device for scanning The nervous system, chest, abdomen and bones of a fetus which helps in prenatal as well as postnatal treatment. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Fetal MRI

There are several indicators that specialists evaluate during the Fetal MRI. These include the following: 

• The design and form of the fetus’ brain. 
• Progress of the development of the fetal brain including the growth of the cerebral cortex as well as its associated deformities. 
• Evaluation of lungs and lung cysts as well as lesions around the chest region. 
• Structural deformities on the abdominal wall and internal malrotation of the bowel. 

Changes need to be made taking into consideration the fetal age, position as well as the health conditions on the mother. 

Reasons for Taking a Fetal MRI

Fetal MRI has its indications which are: 

• Evaluation of the fetal brain including the structural status of the ventricles and so-called migrational abnormalities 
• Evaluation of the spine for anomaly 
• Detailed visualization of the fetal thorax in case of possible congenital diaphragmatic hernia 
• Detection of complex syndromes which were suggested by ultrasound 
• Examining umbilical cord and placenta for abnormalities. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

Benefits of performing Fetal MRI include: 

• Not only fetal MRI could provide better images but it is also a non-invasive procedure 
• There are still cases where ultrasound cannot provide the needed images while fetal ultrasound would provide 
• Yes, there is fetal exposure, but none of it is radiation, plus there is mother exposure as well so it benefits both 
• Counselling before the birth is benefited along with the better management of its birth and in turn labour as well. 
• With advanced fixing solution, now there is a lesser chances of corrective measures post birth as such planning is done ahead. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Fetal MRI

Some of the conditions diagnosed with the help of fetal MRI includes the following: 

• Ventriculomegaly 
• Missing the corpus callosum 
• Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation 
• Bowel disorders such as obstruction and others 
• Female twin ectopic pregnancy with transfusing. 

Preparing for Fetal MRI

Routine preparations generally include the following: 

• Getting into comfortable clothing which does not contain or use metal 
• Let the radiologist know if you have any implants, are claustrophobic 
• Depending on the radiology hallucination it might be recommended to stay hungry so as to get better images. 

Pre-requisites 

Before performing Fetal MRI, it is important first to have a complete fetal ultrasound scan. 

• Prior to the imaging, the patient and the radiologist should interact regarding possible preceding medical issues or known allergies. 

When Is the Proper Time To Administer The Fetal MRI? 

The fetal targeted examination scan is specifically ideal when gestation is between the range of 22 to 32 weeks so that the scanning can be done with high precision and the artifacts due to movement can be reduced. 

Who Are The Fits For This Procedure? 

As per the recommendations Fetal MRI is suggested in case of any abnormalities that necessitate an in-depth ultrasound examination. However, it is best avoided in the following cases: 

• Patients in the first trimester(during the first three months of pregnancy) unless some clinical reasons justify its usefulness 
• Patients Who have implants that do not tolerate MRI. 

How Is A Fetal MRI Done Step By Step? 

1. The patient comes to the centre with the help of report and other documents and fills up the requisition of the use needed the imaging test. 
2. The patient is then asked to change into clothing appropriate for the MRI procedure. 
3. In this step, the patient is positioned on the MRI table and a specific coil is put on top of the area which needs scanning. 
4. Now that the worker is through with positioning the table slides into the opening and the scans start which can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes 
5. For the time period of the scan, protectors may be offered to them to avoid the noise created by the MRI screens. 

What To Do And Things To Bring To The Test? 

• All sorts of electronic devices implanted in the body or in other limbs should be stated clearly. 
• Mention any issues related to fear of tight places or anxiety. 
• If recommended by the physician, then an individual should not consume caffeine or any of the stimulants prior to the examination.