Advanced Fetal Imaging & Pediatric Radiology

In conjunction with The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health, the Department of Medical Imaging at Lurie Children’s provides advanced fetal imaging services by leveraging state-of-the-art ultrasound and MRI techniques. Our team of expert fetal imagers assist with the screening and diagnosis of various fetal abnormalities to guide fetal interventions, maternal-fetal care, and delivery planning.

Numerous fetal abnormalities are diagnosed and treated by our Fetal Health team. The fetal imaging team can also provide second opinions for imaging performed outside of Lurie Children's.


Ultrasound

In certain situations, we perform ultrasounds (sonograms) on pregnant women to check certain areas of the baby.

Ultrasound is an imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within the human body. These images often provide valuable information to diagnose and treat disease. Ultrasound is used to visualize a wide range of anatomic structures, including abdominal organs, the thyroid gland, pelvic structures, chest organs and the brain. It can also take images of blood flowing through veins and arteries throughout the body.

Fetal MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique for taking pictures of internal structures in the body. MRIs help doctors see details of the inner body that could not be seen well with available x-ray or ultrasound equipment. MRIs take images quickly, which is important since a baby inside the mother doesn't hold still for long. In addition, our pediatric specialists, including pediatric neuroradiologists, are experts in interpreting images of babies and developing babies.

Fetal Echocardiogram

A fetal echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a specialized ultrasound examination of the unborn baby’s heart. The test itself is similar to a routine OB ultrasound, which allows specialists to obtain detailed images of the baby’s heart.

Fetal Imaging Team

What to Expect

Typically, all imaging and consults are performed on the same day to avoid repeat visits to the hospital. Fetal MRI and ultrasounds (including dedicated fetal heart ultrasounds) are performed in the morning or early afternoon so that the images can be interpreted by our fetal imaging experts. These results are then communicated to the maternal-fetal specialists, surgeons, geneticists, and other subspecialists so that a treatment and delivery plan can be created for the mother and her family. The mother and family will get to meet with the entire maternal-fetal team to discuss the treatment and delivery plan recommendations. The results are also communicated to the health care providers that referred you to our center.

Our Facilities

Click here to learn more about our fetal health facilities.

Schedule an Appointment or Consultation

You can schedule an appointment or consultation online or by calling 1.866.338.2524 (1.866.FETAL24) or e-mailing fetalhealth@luriechildrens.org.

Billing & Financial Assistance Information

Visit this page to learn more about billing and financial assistance.

Requesting Medical Records

Click here to access portions of your child's electronic medical record online or request printed medical records by fax, mail or in person, and read frequently asked questions about the process.