How to prepare for an abdomen and pelvis MRI scan, and what to expect

Your doctor has recommended that you get an abdomen and pelvis MRI scan to get a closer look at the organs and tissues in your midsection. This scan will help your provider better understand what’s causing your symptoms.

An abdomen and pelvis MRI gives your doctor highly detailed images they can use to help diagnose your condition, and as necessary, to create a treatment plan personalized to you and your needs.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

• How to prepare for your abdomen and pelvis MRI scan
• What to wear to your MRI appointment
• Whether fasting is necessary before an MRI
• What happens during and after an MRI scan

Preparing for Your Abdomen and Pelvis MRI

What should I wear for an MRI scan? 

It’s a good idea to choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, like a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. As an alternative, your imaging center may offer you a medical gown to wear during your scan. Wearing socks during your scan is a good idea, too, since MRI rooms can sometimes feel a little bit chilly.

What should I avoid wearing to an MRI?

MRI machines use powerful magnets, so you’ll want to avoid wearing clothing with metal, including zippers, buttons, or underwire bras, as well as jewelry, watches, and any other accessories that may contain metal. If you wear glasses, or hearing aids, or have removable dental work, you will likely need to take them off before the scan. 

Be sure to inform your MRI technologist if you have a medical device like a pacemaker or a medical implant, and they’ll follow the necessary steps to ensure your safety and comfort.

Will I need to fast before an abdomen and pelvis MRI?

Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for preparing for your MRI scan. Whether or not you need to fast before your MRI scan will depend on your doctor’s specific instructions. 

In some cases, fasting for a few hours beforehand may be necessary, especially if your MRI requires the use of contrast dye to get clearer images of your organs. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you should avoid eating or drinking before your scan.

What can I do to prepare for my MRI appointment? 

On the day of your exam, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water unless your provider tells you otherwise. Staying hydrated can help the scan go more smoothly and make you feel more comfortable.

When you arrive at the imaging center

Once you arrive at the imaging center for your abdomen and pelvis MRI, our staff will guide you through the initial steps for your scan, like checking in and collecting your information. Let’s walk through what happens after you check in for your appointment.

What to Bring to Your MRI Appointment

It is important to bring these essential items:

• Your identification and insurance card
• Any paperwork or imaging requests from your healthcare provider
• A list of medications you are currently taking

Tell the MRI technologist if:

• You have medical implants, like a pacemaker
• You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Your doctor gave you specific instructions such as fasting or taking certain medications before the scan.

Will I need to change into a medical gown for an abdominal and pelvis MRI?

For your abdomen and pelvis MRI, you may be asked to change into a medical gown, since wearing a cotton gown ensures that nothing disrupts the images taken during the scan. Everyday clothing, especially items with metal components like zippers or buttons, can interfere with the MRI machine’s magnetic field. A medical gown just helps to ensure that your MRI results are as accurate as possible.

Why did my healthcare provider order my MRI with contrast? How do I know if I need contrast?

In some cases, your doctor may order your MRI with contrast to get clearer and more detailed images of your organs and tissues. Contrast is a special dye that is injected into your body before the scan, and highlights certain areas of your body, which might not be as visible otherwise. This can be especially useful when your doctor needs to get a closer look at specific structures in your abdomen or pelvis.

Not all MRIs require contrast, and whether or not you need it will depend on your provider’s order. Your technologist will let you know ahead of time if contrast is necessary for your scan. If you do need it, they’ll explain the process, and check for any allergies or health conditions that could affect how your body reacts to the dye. 

What to Expect During an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI

After you have checked in, and your MRI technologist has prepared you for the scan, your MRI will begin. This is a safe and noninvasive scan that goes by pretty quickly for most people. Here’s a detailed look at what happens during your abdomen and pelvis MRI.

How does an MRI scan take pictures of the abdomen and pelvis?

An MRI scan uses a powerful magnet to create detailed images of the inside of your body. During the scan, the machine captures multiple images of your abdomen and pelvis, from different angles. These images give your doctor a clear view of your organs, tissues, and other structures, helping them identify any potential issues that might not be visible with other types of scans. 

How Will I Be Positioned in the MRI Scanner?

For your abdomen and pelvis MRI, the technologist will position you on a padded table, probably lying flat on your back. They can help ensure you are in the right position to get clear images of your abdominal and pelvic areas. You’ll be given a cushion or pillow for comfort, and your imaging center may also offer you a blanket, to keep you cozy during the scan.

Will my whole body go into the MRI machine?

Your whole body doesn’t need to go into the MRI machine for this type of scan, though your torso will be inside the scanner. Once you’re in position, the technologist will step into a control room to start the scan but will be able to hear and see you throughout your MRI scan.

What happens during an abdomen and pelvis MRI scan? 

Once the scan begins, you’ll hear a series of loud, rhythmic noises coming from the machine. These noises are completely normal: the MRI machine is just doing its work to take pictures of your abdomen and pelvis. You may be given earplugs or headphones to help block out the sound, to make you more comfortable. 

The most important thing to remember during the scan is to remain still. Moving can blur the images, so it’s important to relax, and to keep your body as still as possible. If you have any trouble staying still, let your technologist know, and they’ll do everything they can to help you to keep still.

How long does it take?

An abdomen and pelvis MRI usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your circumstances, and the scan your doctor ordered. The technologist will keep you informed throughout the scan, and you’ll have the option to communicate with them if you have any concerns, or if you need a quick break. 

After Your Abdomen and Pelvis MRI scan

Once your abdomen and pelvis MRI scan is finished, your results will be analyzed, and you’ll discuss them with your doctor Here’s a closer look at what happens after an abdominal and pelvis MRI. 

How will I feel after the scan? Can I continue my day normally?

If your healthcare provider gave you specific instructions regarding rest or hydration after the scan, be sure to follow those guidelines. For most people, there are no lingering effects after an MRI scan. 

With your doctor’s approval, you can plan to resume your normal activities right away. If contrast dye is used during your MRI, you might notice a slight warmth or flushing sensation when it is injected, but this should pass quickly. 

How and when will I get the results of my MRI?

It will take about a week or so to get your MRI results. Once the radiologist has reviewed your MRI images, they will send your results to your doctor, who will interpret them and then discuss the findings with you.

Your provider will likely reach out to you through a phone call or set up an appointment to go over the results in detail. If you have access to an online health portal, you might also be able to view the results there, once they’re ready. Keep in mind that MRI images are complex, and your provider will take time to explain what the images show, and what your next steps may be.

What are the next steps if additional testing is needed?

If the results of your MRI show something that requires further investigation, your doctor may recommend additional imaging or testing. This could include follow-up scans, blood tests, or other imaging methods to get a clearer understanding of your condition. Your provider will guide you through any further steps, explain the purpose of additional tests, and address any concerns you may have.

How to schedule your scan with us

When you get your scan at a Gateway Diagnostic Imaging center, we’ll make sure you have access to affordable, high-quality medical imaging from specialized radiologists and certified technologists. 

Reach out to a Gateway imaging center near you, and schedule your appointment today.