Can I have an MRI while breastfeeding?

Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the commonly used examination methods in modern medicine. It is very effective in examining internal diseases of the human body, especially diseases of organs. The biggest feature of magnetic resonance imaging is its accuracy. It can accurately locate the lesions, thus helping doctors to provide more scientific treatment. However, MRI has relatively high radiation exposure, so many special groups of people cannot undergo MRI. So, can I do an MRI while breastfeeding?

It is best for breastfeeding women not to do MRI as it will affect breastfeeding and they will not be able to breastfeed if they do.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a method of medical examination and a revolution in medical imaging. Biological tissues can be penetrated by short-wave components of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as X-rays, but can block medium-wave components, such as ultraviolet rays, infrared rays and long waves. Human tissue allows long-wave components generated by magnetic resonance, such as radio waves, to pass through, which is one of the basic conditions for the clinical application of magnetic resonance.

Magnetic resonance imaging has the advantages of safety, no radiation, and accuracy. Magnetic resonance imaging can only be performed if the following points are ensured:

1. People who have magnetic substances in their bodies, such as pacemakers, artificial valves, or metal foreign objects remaining near important organs, cannot undergo this examination. However, people whose implants are confirmed to be non-magnetic by the surgeon can undergo MRI examination.

2. Inform the technical staff of the following situations: whether there is any surgical history; whether there are any metal or magnetic materials implanted in the body, including metal IUDs, etc.; whether there are any dentures, electronic ears, artificial eyes, etc.; whether there are any drug allergies; whether any metal foreign objects have been splashed into the body.

3. Do not wear underwear with metal materials. Patients who need to have their head and neck examined should wash their hair the day before the examination and do not use any hair care products.

4. Before the examination, you need to take off all clothes except underwear and change into special clothes for examination in the MRI room. Remove any metal accessories you are wearing such as necklaces, earrings, watches and rings. Remove facial makeup and items such as dentures, artificial eyes, and glasses.

5. Before the examination, you must provide the doctor with your entire medical history, examination data, and all X-rays, CT scans, previous MRI scans, etc.

6. For abdominal examination (liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, bile duct, ureter, etc.), the examinee should fast for 4 hours and inject one syringe of 654-2 before the examination.

7. Patients undergoing magnetic resonance urography (MRU) should take 20 mg of furosemide orally before the examination.

8. Be mentally prepared for an MRI scan. Don't be impatient or afraid. Follow the doctor's instructions and cooperate patiently.