Synopsis

Although ultrasound is still the primary modality for monitoring developing brain in utero, MRI has become available for pregnant patients as a secondary screening tool increasing the diagnostic accuracy achievable by ultrasound. Clinical MRI protocols usually relies on fast acquisition techniques. Two main challenges in fetal MRI are motion artifacts and safety concerns. Even though there are novel motion correction approaches, this topic continues to be a growing research area. There is no report on harmful effect of MRI to the growing fetus. However, fetal MRI safety at each gestational age, particularly the first trimester, is under investigation.