Improving fetal MRI imaging for pregnant women
Official title: Advanced Fetal Imaging - Phase II
Run by Boston Children's Hospital · NCT02840019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new ways to improve MRI scans for pregnant women to get clearer images of their babies while reducing movement during the scans.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 2016 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT02840019 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are pregnant women between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation, either with healthy pregnancies or concerns about fetal/placental abnormalities.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to MRI, such as implanted metal or claustrophobia, will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance fetal MRI imaging by developing specialized MRI coils for pregnant women and testing new imaging techniques. The researchers will evaluate and optimize existing MRI methods while implementing innovative technologies to improve image quality. This includes creating new pulse sequences and acquisition schemes that minimize fetal motion, allowing for better structural and physiological imaging. The study also involves testing new radio frequency coil arrays to facilitate faster imaging of the fetus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to higher quality fetal MRI images, improving prenatal care and outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in improving fetal imaging techniques, but this specific approach with new coil designs and imaging methods is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* 60 Minute Full Research MRI Scan:
* Gestational age between 18 and 40 weeks
* AND
* Pregnant women with a healthy pregnancy
* OR
* Pregnant women with a concern for fetal/placental abnormalities referred for a clinical fetal MRI by their obstetrician
* OR
* Pregnant women with a concern for fetal/placental abnormalities NOT referred for a clinical fetal MRI by their obstetrician
* 15 Minute Add-On Research Scan:
* Gestational age between 18 and 40 weeks
* AND
* Pregnant women with a concern for fetal abnormalities referred for a clinical fetal MRI by their obstetrician
* AND
* The clinical fetal MRI will occur at Boston Children's Hospital
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant women with a contraindication to MRI (implanted metal, non-removable piercings, pacemaker, etc)
* Pregnant women who are claustrophobic
* Pregnant women who are medically unstable for an MRI
Where it's running
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: P. Ellen Grant, MD — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: P. Ellen Grant, MD
- Email: ellen.grant@childrens.harvard.edu
- Phone: 857-218-5111
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.