SAR Evaluation of Pregnant Woman Models in 64 MHz MRI Birdcage Coil

This study presents numerical SAR evaluation in pregnant woman models exposed to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio frequency (RF) coil at 64 MHz. Nine pregnant woman models, representing different stage of pregnancy, are used for this study. SAR values in and around fetuses at different pregnancy stages are calculated. The investigations show an SAR increase beginning at the fifth month of pregnancy and local fetus SAR values above the IEC limit of 10 W/kg for the first level controlled mode. Based on our results we recommend not to perform MRI procedures for pregnant women in the first level controlled mode. These results can be used towards developing safety standards for pregnant woman undergoing an MRI