Ultrasound

UnityPoint Health - Meriter - Center for Perinatal Care

Ultrasound

The Center for Perinatal Care offers prenatal diagnostic services to pregnant patients for routine and high-risk pregnancies. We use advanced technologies and practices in a caring environment, so you receive comprehensive fetal diagnostic ultrasound imaging, testing, counseling and care.

Highly trained and board registered sonographers through the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) will perform high risk and low risk obstetrical ultrasound exams. Our sonographers practice in conjunction with our Maternal Fetal Medical Specialist to screen and diagnose fetal anomalies throughout the pregnancy.

Depending on your medical history, age and overall health, your doctor may recommend you have prenatal tests during your pregnancy to determine how you and your baby are progressing.

Meriter CPC -sonographer Team.jpg
Meet Our Sonographer Team

Fetal Ultrasounds & Genetic Screening

First Trimester Screen
This is the ultrasound portion of the genetic screening. The sonographer will assess certain parts of the baby that are appropriate for this gestational age.
Anatomic Survey
This ultrasound is offered around the 20th week of pregnancy and is used to screen for fetal growth, structural, and genetic abnormalities in low-risk pregnancies. Additionally, we evaluate for maternal uterine and ovarian well-being.
Targeted Ultrasound
This ultrasound is offered around 20th week of pregnancy and is used to screen for fetal growth, structural, and genetic abnormalities in high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, we evaluate for maternal uterine and ovarian well-being.
Fetal Echocardiogram
This ultrasound is offered to pregnant patients with a higher chance of having a baby with a heart defect. It is typically done after the 20th week of pregnancy. Our center is one of four units in the Midwest to be accredited for fetal echocardiography.
Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI)
This ultrasound measures the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
This ultrasound evaluates fetal well-being through measurement of the amniotic fluid index, observation of fetal breathing movements, body movements and body tone.
Diagnostic Genetic Testing
  • Sonographers and physicians are able to perform diagnostic testing through amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.
  • Please refer to Genetic Counseling for more information on genetic testing options.

Ultrasound Practice Accreditation

CPC - AIUM Accreditation.pngThe Ultrasound Practice Accreditation Council of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is pleased to announce that Center for Perinatal Care– Prenatal Diagnostics department at UnityPoint Health– Meriter has been awarded ultrasound practice accreditation in the areas of:

  • Adjunct Detailed Fetal Anatomic Ultrasound (Targeted Ultrasound)
  • Fetal Echocardiography
  • Obstetric—First Trimester
  • Obstetric– Second Trimester
  • Obstetric– Third Trimester

AIUM Accreditation is achieved by meeting rigorous voluntary guidelines set by the diagnostic ultrasound profession. All facets of the practice were assessed, including the training and qualifications of physicians and sonographers, ultrasound equipment maintenance, documentation, storage, and record-keeping practices, policies and procedures to protect patients and staff; quality assurance methods, and the thoroughness, technical quality and interpretation of the sonograms the practice performs. AIUM Practice Accreditation is a triennial cycle and requires demonstration of exceeding standards consistently in between cycles.