Historically, pregnant women have been instructed to avoid having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test unless absolutely necessary because risk to the developing fetus was unknown. However, recent research indicates that MRI may be a safer and more effective alternative to other imaging tests when certain conditions (e.g., appendicitis) are suspected in women who are pregnant.

Patients with tattoos or permanent makeup are encouraged to consult with their physician before an MRI is performed. These patients might feel some mild discomfort or a burning feeling on their skin due to a reaction between iron oxide or other metallic substances commonly found in the darker inks of the tattoo and the magnetic field generated during the test. Furthermore, large or very dark tattoos can also cause “artifacts,” or false shadows to appear on the film produced from the test.

If the MRI involves injection of a contrast medium, there is the possibility of a reaction. An individual may experience nausea, headache or pain at the site of injection.