Electrodiagnostic Testing of Pregnant Women

POSITION STATEMENT

A MEDLINE search conducted by the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) in February 2007 using the phrases "contraindications to performing needle EMG, NCSs, and EPs during pregnancy" and "standards, injuries, etc., related to EMG in pregnancy" found no contraindications to performing needle electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) on pregnant patients. In addition, no complications from these procedures have been reported in the literature. Evoked response testing, likewise, has not caused any problems when performed during pregnancy.

The AANEM believes that a properly conducted test, with ongoing communication and approval from the patient’s obstetrician, will often be helpful in evaluating pregnant patients with neuromuscular problems.

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