Human Birth Imaging Using MRI: Prospective cohort study (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED Childbirth is a physiologic process with significant medical risk, as neurological impairment due to the birthing process can occur at any time. Improvements in risk assessment and anticipatory interventions are constantly needed; however, the birthing process is difficult to assess using simple imaging technology since the maternal bony pelvis and fetal skeleton interfere with visualizing the soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique with no ionizing radiation that can monitor the biomechanics of the birthing process. Effective utilization of this modality, however, requires teamwork and implementation of the appropriate safeguards to achieve appropriate safety levels. This article describes a clinically effective and safe method to perform real-time MRI during the birthing process. We report the experience of our team as part of the IMAGINAITRE research protocol (France), which aimed better understand of the biomechanics of childbirth.