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Maternal-Fetal Medicine Ultrasound

The Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center in Peoria is the only center in the area to be accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound and Medicine to diagnose and monitor the health and well-being of women with complex pregnancies. Our maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) providers are highly trained to evaluate your baby using advanced ultrasound techniques. Our team provides comprehensive care in Peoria, Bloomington, Galesburg, Moline and Ottawa, Illinois.


Maternal-Fetal Medicine

What is a MFM ultrasound?

A MFM ultrasound, or perinatal ultrasound, is a more comprehensive ultrasound than a typical fetal ultrasound. It is a precise diagnostic tool that examines the health of your baby during pregnancy. It may include a transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound, or both, depending on your provider’s recommendations and pregnancy related issues.

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What type of ultrasound is used?

We use a variety of specialized ultrasounds to monitor the health and development of your baby.

  • Anatomy and growth scan: Evaluates baby’s overall development
  • Biophysical profile: Measures fetal movements, muscle tone, breathing movements, amniotic fluid and heartbeat.
  • Umbilical cord doppler: Uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through the umbilical vein and arteries

Common Conditions That Require Maternal-Fetal Ultrasound

High-risk pregnancy ultrasounds provide important information about the health and development of you and your baby. This information helps your care team identify and monitor a variety of conditions, so they can be treated and managed early.

Some common conditions include:

  • Complex maternal and/or fetal presentations
  • Diabetes
  • Fetal anomalies
  • Geriatric pregnancy
  • Growth restrictions
  • History of a complicated pregnancy
  • History of thromboembolism
  • Hypertension
  • Isoimmunization
  • Medication exposure
  • Maternal Congenital Heart Disease
  • Multiple gestation
  • Recurrent pregnancy loss
  • Seizure Disorder
  • Substance Use Disorder
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Thyroid disease
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What to Expect During the Ultrasound

A maternal-fetal medicine ultrasound focuses on capturing specific images of your baby to assess their health and development. Your sonographer will bring you back to the room and will begin your ultrasound. Depending on your stage of pregnancy, you may receive either a transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound.

Our care team will share what to expect during your ultrasound and your support person is encouraged to stay with you during this time. After the ultrasound is complete, a report will be generated that a perinatologist will review while you are in the exam room.

During this time, a nurse will review your health history and vital signs and complete a focused obstetric assessment. After the ultrasound and assessment, a provider will come to your room and talk with you about the findings. They’ll discuss any needed follow-up appointments and how often you will need them.

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