Perinatal Center of Iowa (PCI) has been accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine in obstetric ultrasound since 1996. In most cases, a PCI physician is present to interpret the ultrasound and review the findings with patients prior to them leaving the clinic.

To make a referral for any of the services offered below, please call (515) 643-6888 or toll-free (877) 415-7447.

First-Trimester

This exam can be completed between weeks six and 13 of gestation. This test is ideal for assessing viability, correctly determining gestational age and identifying if there is more than one baby. These exams are almost exclusively done transvaginally.

PCI also offers first-trimester screening for the early assessment of Down syndrome.

Cervical Length

To help determine the risk of a weak (or incompetent) cervix and/or preterm delivery, cervical length can be measured between weeks 14-26 of pregnancy in patients at risk.

Complete Obstetric

Performed after 14 weeks gestation, a complete obstetric ultrasound assesses fetal number and growth, basic fetal anatomy, amniotic fluid volume and fetal and placental positions.

Comprehensive Obstetric

Performed between weeks 18-24 of pregnancy, this test assesses the same factors as a complete ultrasound (fetal number and growth, amniotic fluid volume and fetal and placental positions), while also assessing multiple genetic markers and fetal anatomy. 

Comprehensive ultrasounds are generally offered for:

• Women who will be 35 years of age or older at the time of delivery
• Couples with a child or other family member with a chromosomal abnormality
• Women who have previous ultrasounds showing suspected birth defects
• Women who have been exposed to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy

PCI doctors and sonographers are specially trained and experienced to provide this high level of ultrasound.

Biophysical Profile

Generally performed after 28 weeks, this test combines an ultrasound evaluation with a non-stress test (NST), and is performed if there is a question about fetal health resulting from an examination, maternal/fetal symptoms or other risk factors. Some indications for this test include suspicion of fetal growth delay, maternal conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension) or a suspected fetal anomaly.

Fetal Echocardiogram

This test is a targeted evaluation of the fetal heart performed by one of the PCI physicians after 18 weeks gestation.

Fetal echocardiograms are generally offered for:

• Couples with a family history of congenital heart disease
• Women with preexisting diabetes
• Women who have been exposed to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy

3-D/4-D Ultrasound

A three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound— called a 4-D ultrasound when performed in real time) holds the potential for improved prenatal assessment of the developing fetus. This technology allows us to better assess congenital abnormalities such as neural tube defects and heart anomalies.