Imaging the pregnant human uterus with nuclear magnetic resonance.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques have been used to produce images of the pregnant and nonpregnant human uterus. A series of pictures is presented showing the normal nonpregnant uterus and pelvic organs, the uterus and its contents in pregnancy at 17, 30, and 40 weeks' gestation, and the pelvic organs in the early puerperium. In early pregnancy the uterus and placenta are clearly seen and the dimensions and configuration of the pelvis can be readily assessed. Because of the relatively long scan time of 2 minutes, better images of the fetus were obtained in the third trimester when movement is more restricted. The potential value of this technique in obstetrics is discussed.