Final answer:
MRI is generally considered safe during pregnancy and does not use ionizing radiation, but should only be performed when necessary. Contrast agents are avoided unless essential for diagnosis, and patient comfort should be taken into consideration.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the safety precautions for MRI during pregnancy, it is important to understand that MRI is generally safe and does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation, which is a concern associated with other imaging techniques such as X-rays and CT scans. The safety of MRI during pregnancy is supported by evidence indicating that the strong magnetic fields and radio waves used in MRI have not been shown to harm the fetus. However, the use of contrast agents during MRI is typically avoided in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, due to lack of conclusive data on their safety in this population.
Still, caution is exercised, and MRIs are generally used during pregnancy only when it is necessary and the information obtained would directly impact the care of the mother or fetus. In other words, MRIs should be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary and without contrast agents, unless specifically warranted. There are no special shielding requirements for pregnant patients undergoing MRI, as MRIs do not use ionizing radiation. Nonetheless, patient comfort and the potential for anxiety due to the enclosed environment of traditional MRI machines should be considered, and open-MRI options may be preferred when available.