Some of the creepiest images on the internet come from MRIs of fetuses in the womb, showing highly detailed, almost alien-like views of babies at 19 and 24 weeks of gestation. Shared online, these images shocked viewers because MRI scans highlight differences in soft tissues—like eyes, brain, and facial features—making the unborn child appear unusually eerie. Experts explain that MRIs work by measuring energy released by protons in the body, creating detailed images that reveal development not visible with standard ultrasounds.
While unsettling to see, these scans serve a serious purpose: doctors use them to monitor fetal brain development and detect potential issues. MRIs are generally reserved for the second or third trimester and only when ultrasounds are insufficient. So although the pictures may look like something out of a horror movie, they are an important tool for ensuring a baby’s health before birth.
