Fetal Imaging

When your provider sends an order to the Fetal Imaging Center at Phoenix Children’s, one of our registered nurse care coordinators will contact you to schedule your test. They’ll walk you through everything you need to know for your appointment.

It’s important to follow these instructions before your fetal imaging test:

  • Don’t wear jewelry or clothes with metal parts, such as snaps or zippers.
  • Please arrive one hour before your test is scheduled.
  • Bring a photo ID.
  • Park in the Thomas garage, in front of the Thomas Campus near the entrance.

Your physician may order one or more of the following tests:

Fetal MRI

If you’re scheduled for a fetal MRI, please plan to spend about three to four hours at the Fetal Imaging Center. Before the scan, let your technician know if you have any implanted medical devices, such as shunts, rods or nerve stimulators made of metal.

MRI scans usually take about one hour, but if your baby moves a lot, it might take a bit longer. Sometimes, you’ll need to repeat the test. Here’s what you can expect during your MRI:

  • You’ll lie on your back on the MRI table. If that’s uncomfortable, we can have you lie on your side instead.
  • During the scan, you may hear some loud noises. We’ll provide earplugs and music to help block out the sound.
  • You’ll have a button to push if you feel uncomfortable at any time during the test.
  • At some points, we may ask you to hold your breath briefly. This helps keep the images clear by reducing movement from breathing. 
  • For added comfort, a family member or support person can be with you during the scan.

Our goal is to capture all the images your radiologist needs to make an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes, we’ll perform an ultrasound after the MRI to gather additional information.

During the MRI, your radiologist reviews the images as they are taken. They’ll meet with you after the scan to go over the initial results. Then, they’ll examine the images in more detail and take measurements.

The radiologist shares the findings with your referring provider and sends a detailed report. A few days later, you can call your physician to get your final results and next steps. It might take some time to get a definite diagnosis.

Fetal Ultrasound

Fetal ultrasound happens either over your abdomen (transabdominal ultrasound) or, in special cases, through the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). The whole process takes 30 minutes to an hour.

For a transabdominal ultrasound, wear loose-fitting clothing so you can lift it to expose your belly. During the test:

  • You’ll lie on an exam table with your abdomen exposed.
  • A technician will apply warm gel to your belly to help sound waves reach your uterus.
  • The technician may ask you to move into different positions to get the best view of your baby.
  • After the test, you can wipe off any remaining gel.

The radiologist carefully reviews the images and sends a report to your referring provider, who will then discuss the results with you.

Fetal Low-Dose CT Scan

CT scans usually take about 30 minutes total, but the actual scanning time only lasts a few seconds. Here’s what to expect:

  • The radiologist will start with a quick ultrasound to find the top and bottom of your uterus.
  • Once they mark those areas, you’ll lie on a table that gently moves into a large, doughnut-shaped scanner.
  • The CT scan captures detailed images of your baby’s bones in a few seconds.

After the scan, your radiologist examines the images and sends a report to your physician, who will share the findings and diagnosis with you.