Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that analyzes amniotic fluid for birth defects. It is elective but recommended for higher risk mothers. The procedure involves a needle guided into the amniotic sac, and results take up to three weeks. A negative result increases chances of a healthy baby, but it is impossible to test for every possible birth defect.
Amniocentesis is a form of prenatal testing in which the amniotic fluid is analyzed for signs of birth defects or other problems. The procedure is purely elective, although it may be recommended for some higher risk mothers, and is performed on an outpatient basis. When a doctor recommends amniocentesis for a patient, they should discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, enabling the patient to make an informed decision.
Doctors often recommend that women over 35 receive an amniocentesis screening, as there is a risk of Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome, in babies born to older women. Women who have a family history of genetic defects can undergo amniocentesis, as can women who wish to clarify or confirm abnormal test results from other prenatal screenings. Amniocentesis is also sometimes used when women are carrying a baby with a conflicting blood type, to ensure that the fetus is in good health.
When a woman arrives for an amniocentesis appointment, she will be asked to lie down on a treatment table and her abdomen will be sterilized with iodine. Your doctor will use an ultrasound machine to view your abdomen, including your uterus and amniotic sac. A needle will be carefully guided into the amniotic sac to take a small sample of the fluid, ideally without touching the baby, and the fluid will be sent for testing; numerous tests can be performed on the amniotic fluid, which in some laboratories take up to three weeks.
Typically, the amniocentesis is performed around the 16th week of pregnancy. Technically, it can be done as early as 11 weeks, but there is a higher risk of complications or miscarriage in early pregnancy. Even if performed in the 16th week, the risk of miscarriage is typically about one in 200, with some clinics having a rate as high as one in 400. After the amniocentesis, a woman may feel crampy and achy. A doctor should be consulted regarding any breakthrough bleeding, fluid loss, or other symptoms of a problem with the baby.
An alternative to amniocentesis is chorionic villus sampling. Chorionic villus sampling can be done early in pregnancy, but it also carries greater risks. However, for women who want reassurance and prompt answers, it’s certainly an option.
Generally, a doctor will ask patients to come in to discuss the amniocentesis results. A negative result indicates that no abnormalities were found, greatly increasing the chances of a healthy baby. However, it is impossible to test for every single possible birth defect, and miscarriages or other events are still possible; even after negative results, women should take care of their body during pregnancy. If the results are positive for an issue, the doctor will discuss what that means with the patient, and options will also be discussed.
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