Whether you are currently experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or have experienced pregnancy problems in the past, the maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists at Mercyhealth are here to provide you with the highest level of prenatal care.
Our MFM specialists (also called perinatologists) have advanced knowledge and training in medical, surgical, obstetrical, fetal and genetic complications of pregnancy and their effects on both you and your unborn baby.
As high-risk pregnancy experts, we offer compassionate, high-quality care for all our patients. Our doctors are supported by a certified nurse midwife, registered nurses with advanced obstetric training and certified diabetes educators.
Together, they help manage complicated pregnancies, such as early labor, bleeding and high blood pressure, all within a comfortable and caring environment.
Perinatal consultation services
We offer pre-pregnancy/early pregnancy consultations for women who have:
- Significant obstetric history
- History of fetal and/or neonatal complications
- Chronic maternal illnesses (diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus)
- Multiple gestation
- Pregnancy exposures
- Risk due to ethnic background
We also offer late-pregnancy consultations for:
- Pre-term labor risk assessment
- Hydramnios
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Suspected growth restriction
- Abnormal ultrasound findings
- External cephalic version
Technology and procedures
Mercyhealth is dedicated to providing patients and physicians with the latest and most advanced resources in prenatal diagnosis and therapy. State-of-the-art technology is available to help manage complicated pregnancies.
Our innovative ultrasound lab is accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and is staffed by registered diagnostic sonographer.
Genetic counseling services
We offer the only comprehensive medical genetics program in the region. Our medical genetics team, including medical genetics and genetic counselors, specialize in the evaluation, treatment and management of genetic disorders. They explain complex genetic information, help coordinate medical care (including appropriate genetic testing), and provide patient advocacy and emotional support.
The genetic counselors also help expectant parents who are at an increased risk of having a child with a medical problem due to:
- Maternal age or an abnormal blood screening test
- Having a previous child with, or family history of, a birth defect, genetic disorder, chromosome abnormality or intellectual disability
- Having concerns about their pregnancy because of exposure to medications, alcohol, drugs, infection, radiation or toxic substances
- Having experienced more than one miscarriage, a stillbirth or an infant death
- Being blood relatives
- Being from an ethnic background known to have a higher incidence of a specific genetic disorder
The highest level of care for moms and babies
Mercyhealth is designated by the State of Illinois as a Level III Regional Perinatal Center. This designation is the highest in the state, reflecting Mercyhealth's specialized expertise and comprehensive resources to treat the smallest and sickest babies.
As the Northwest Illinois Level III Regional Perinatal Center, Mercyhealth is the referral center for the 11-county northern Illinois region, including Rockford and the surrounding area.
Mercyhealth also provides services to three southern Wisconsin counties, including Rock and Walworth counties.
Maternal transport services
Our dedicated REACT 24-hour ground and air transport team is equipped to handle the specialized needs of expectant mothers and premature or critically ill newborns. The team includes registered nurses and registered respiratory therapists.
Patients are transported to the Northwest Illinois Regional Perinatal Center and the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside in Rockford.
Make an appointment
To make an appointment or find a maternal-fetal medicine doctor, call 888.396.3729.