Pronounced: am-KNEE-o-sen-TEE-sis
Amniocentesis is the removal of a small amount of fluid from the uterus (womb). This fluid, called amniotic fluid, surrounds a developing baby.
Amniocentesis is most often done to see if there is an abnormality in your baby's genes (DNA). It can also be done to see if your baby is developing rightly.
Some things may make your doctor more concerned that there may be a problem:
Depending on your risk factors, the cells are tested for:
If you are planning to have an amniocentesis, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
Your doctor may give you local anesthesia. This numbs a small area.
This is usually done when you are 16 weeks pregnant.
First, your doctor will do an ultrasound to choose a safe spot to insert the needle. Your abdomen will be cleaned. Next, the doctor will insert a very thin needle through the abdomen into the uterus. A few teaspoons of amniotic fluid will be taken out. After the needle is removed, the doctor will make sure that your baby's heartbeat is normal. In most cases, an ultrasound will be used throughout the procedure.
About 45 minutes—20 minutes to locate the fetus and insert the needle, 5 minutes to withdraw the fluid, 15-20 minutes to rest after the procedure
You may feel cramping when the needle enters your uterus. You may also feel pressure when the fluid is withdrawn.
When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Most women will have normal results.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call 911.
RESOURCES:
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists
www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
http://www.marchofdimes.com/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca/
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/
References:
Amniocentesis. March of Dimes website. Available at: http://search.marchofdimes.com/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=4&page_id=6883072&query=amniocentesis&hiword=amniocentesis+. Accessed June 5, 2008.
Later childbearing. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp060.cfm. Accessed June 5, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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