Whenever possible, examinations are chosen which, according to current research, have no negative effects on pregnancy and child (sonography, possibly magnetic resonance imaging). If the mother’s or child’s health is seriously at risk, it may also be justifiable to perform imaging that involves certain risks (e.g. a computer tomography scan with X-rays). In such cases, the benefit of the information obtained must be significantly greater than the potential consequences of the investigation. Here are some examples of the important tasks of radiology in pregnancy care
Assessment of the placenta
Anomalies of the placenta are not very common, but are associated with a high risk for mother and child if they are not diagnosed. The imaging of choice for visualizing the placenta is ultrasound (sonography). In certain circumstances, however, the placenta is difficult to see sonographically or not all the desired information can be collected by ultrasound. In recent years, the constantly improving image quality of magnetic resonance imaging has made it possible to fall back on a gentle alternative for child and mother.
Trauma during pregnancy
Accidents during pregnancy with relevant force effects on the pregnant woman are complex emergencies. Intensive monitoring of mother and child is of central importance. Magnetic resonance imaging without X-rays can be used to evaluate the situation; in very serious cases, computer tomography is indicated despite radiation exposure.
