MRIs are thought to be safer during pregnancy as they do not expose the fetus to ionizing radiation.

The American College of Radiology says, “Present data have not conclusively documented any deleterious effects of MR imaging . . . on the developing fetus. Therefore, no special consideration is recommended for any trimester in pregnancy.”

However, new research may cause them to rethink that statement. A study published in JAMA looked at the association between MRI exposure during pregnancy and fetal and childhood outcome.

The authors found that compared to pregnant women not exposed to gadolinium-based MRIs, pregnant women given gadolinium contrast agents at any time in their pregnancy had a 36 percent higher risk of a rheumatological, inflammatory, or infiltrative skin condition.

Furthermore, the pregnant women exposed to gadolinium had a 270 percent higher increase risk of stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

This study makes it clear that gadolinium should never be given to a pregnant woman. How could anyone think injecting a toxic metal into a pregnant woman is safe?