There are some risks with MRI that are easy to avoid and very rarely cause harm when MRI is performed within established guidelines by trained professionals. MRI uses a powerful magnet, so anyone with metal implants, such as certain types of surgical clips or pacemakers, should not have an MRI.
Other metal objects, such as keys, pocket knives, or certain types of jewelry, must be removed prior to entering the magnet room. You and your newborn will be screened for these kinds of objects before your MRI.
The MRI scanner also uses radio frequency waves that can, on rare occasions, cause a mild warming sensation similar to what you feel on a warm day at the beach. The MRI scanner may be noisy, so we will provide you or your newborn with earplugs to reduce the noise.
Some people simply find it uncomfortable and/or claustrophobic to lie in the close space of the MRI scanner. If you get nervous or upset during the MRI, the procedure will be stopped. If your baby becomes upset during the MRI, we will stop the exam until the baby goes back to sleep.