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MRI / Cat Scan

I understand these should be avoided while pregnant, but what if they are medically necessary?  Has anyone gotten an MRI or Cat Scan while pregnant?  What was the outcome, did it have an affect on your baby?  Was it worth it?  I have been experiencing agonizing pain in my left shoulder, neck, and arm, that sometimes radiates to my chest, making it hard to breathe.  I am having a really hard time sleeping, and even functioning, and my quality of life has gone down because of it.  I went to the er once and they wanted to do a cat scan or mri but because i was pregnant they wouldnt.  My obgyn said if necessary i should get one, what good is a healthy baby without a healthy mom.  I am just worried about the effects on the baby.  I am 27 weeks, work full time, and have a 2 year old. I am just so conflicted with what to do, not sure i can last another 13 weeks with this kind of pain.  Tylenol does not help.
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Avatar universal
Mri is not contraindicated in pregnancy, because it doesn't produce radiation. CT does, but is still used if the benefit is thought to outweigh the small risk. Radiation is most dangerous in early pregnancy. By third trimester the risk of it causing a birth defect is much lower. Also, sinxe it sounds like they would be looking at yiur neck, they could put a lead apron over your belly to further protect your baby.

If you have a family doctor, go see him and see if he'll order an mri. Or, if you don't havs a pcp and the ob won't help with the pain, go back to the er and tell them you know an mri is safe in pregnancy. They should be able to discuss with the hospital radiologist if necessary. You may need to sign a paper saying you understand the risks of imaging during pregnancy, but mri really is safe.
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