Future fetal screening methods may be changing for the best. Ultrasound for many years has been the routine and customary diagnostic imaging modality used to monitor fetal growth and development during pregnancy. However, with the growth in knowledge regarding fetal screening with in-utero magnetic resonance imaging, adding a second screening method as a routine step during pregnancy may result in better diagnostic accuracy and information for prognosis and clinical management. In this literature review, two main studies in the field of iuMRI will be synthesized to show how iuMRI can be used in adjunct with ultrasound to provide the best and most thorough fetal screening and monitoring. In addition to how iuMRI can impact diagnostic accuracy, iuMRI allows for better understanding of fetal abnormalities due to its multiplanar and signal contrast abilities, and data shows that parents are more likely to better understand their further clinical management plan and their baby’s health overall. Bringing the results and findings together from these two studies and additional information regarding the differences between ultrasound and iuMRI abilities, will help shape the understanding of why it may be necessary to add iuMRI into the norm for fetal screening that occurs during pregnancy.

Jessica would like to thank her faculty sponsor Marcey Kennedy for their support of this project.