Research uses MRI to scan placenta

By Julie Griffiths on 07 December 2017 Placenta Research

Scientists have developed a new way to use MRI to scan the placenta to predict pregnancy complications.

The new non-invasive technique tested at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) measures how much blood enters the placenta and reaches the developing baby in the womb.

The researchers used MRI to track water molecules in the arterial blood of 34 women in their second trimester of pregnancy.

The new technique increased the researchers’ ability to accurately determine the health of the placenta and distinguish between normal and abnormal placental function.

Previously there have been few methods for safely and accurately studying the placenta in early pregnancy.

However, using MRI enabled doctors to collect information to predict and prevent complications including premature birth, placental stroke, intrauterine growth restriction and gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia later in pregnancy before symptoms or testing occur.

Access the original research here.