Abstract: A method is provided for generating images using a MRI system. The method includes one or more acts below. First, the MRI system applies a pulse sequence to obtain a first set of blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) MRI images of a pregnant subject during a first time period. The MRI system then applies the pulse sequence to obtain a second set of BOLD MRI images of the pregnant subject during a second time period. The MRI system automatically extracts one or more regions of interest that include a placenta of the pregnant subject in the first and second sets of BOLD MRI images. The MRI system obtains BOLD signal changes in the one or more regions of interest based on the first and second sets of BOLD MRI images. The MRI system generates, based on the BOLD signal changes, a map indicating placental oxygen transport.