Amniocentesis

Since 1882, millions of pregnant women have undergone a test called amniocentesis. You may know someone who has had this pregnancy test performed or you may have had it done yourself. An amniocentesis is a common prenatal test used to analyze the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby in the fifteenth week of pregnancy.

Do I Need Amniocentesis?
You may be recommended to have an amniocentesis for a variety of reasons, some of which are:

• You are over the age of 35
• You received abnormal screening test results
• You have had a previous pregnancy with a chromosome abnormality or birth defect
• You have a family history of genetic disorders
• An infection in either you or your baby is suspected

For whatever reason an amniocentesis has been recommended to you, you should consider all your options, as there are medical risks involved.

How is the Procedure Done?
An amniocentesis can be performed in the doctor’s office and takes about 45 minutes. For this prenatal test, you will undress and lie down on an examination table. The doctor will use an ultrasound to determine where the baby is located so as not to prick your baby with the needle. Your abdomen will be disinfected with an antiseptic and you may possibly be given a local anesthetic. The doctor will administer a needle through your abdomen to extract amniotic fluid from your uterus.

What it Feels Like
During an amniocentesis, you may feel a stinging sensation from the needle and possibly mild cramps during the procedure. After the test,you may feel weak or nauseated and you are advised to not perform any hard labor for a few hours. If you experience any dizziness, fever, severe cramps, fluid or blood leaking, or swelling at the needle entry, point you should contact your doctor.

Genetic or Maturity Amniocentesis?

Genetic Amniocentesis
A genetic amniocentesis will test for abnormal chromosomes or genes found in the cells of your amniotic fluid. This testing can reveal if your baby has Down syndrome or spina bifida. Some genetic results can be ready in a few days while others may take from two to three weeks.

If your doctor suspects your baby may be at risk for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, or fetal anemia, she will use amniocentesis to look for these disorders. An amniocentesis can also diagnose infections in your uterus and the compatibility of your blood with your baby’s blood. However, amniocentesis cannot detect common birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate, club foot or heart defects.

Maturity Amniocentesis
A maturity amniocentesis is the same as the genetic test except your baby’s lungs are being tested for maturity for an early delivery. During this procedure, your doctor will analyze the compounds found in your baby’s lung to see if he is ready to breathe air. This test is usually done when preterm labor is expected or recommended. The results of this test are usually ready within hours.

Risks of Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis performed after the 15th week carries a one in 200 rate of miscarriage. The earlier in your pregnancy the test is performed, the greater the risk of miscarriage. If the test is performed before the 15th week, there is a one in 100 risk of miscarriage. Usually a genetic amniocentesis is performed in the second trimester after the fetal membranes have sufficiently fused together. At this point, the test presents less of a risk to your baby.

Pros of Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis can offer some benefits to women considering this test.

• Safe and simple procedure
• Performed on millions of women since 1882
• Can be performed in the doctor’s office
• Complications are uncommon
• With genetic counseling, you are well-equipped to make decisions about your baby

Cons of Amniocentesis
Despite the advantages, there are a number of drawbacks to amniocentesis.

• Is considered to be an invasive procedure
• Amniotic fluid leaking through the vagina can increase the risk of orthopedic problems for your baby
• Amniocentesis could cause your baby’s blood to mix with your blood. If your blood types do not match, you will be given the drug Rh immunoglobulin so you do not generate antibodies against your baby’s blood cells.
• During the procedure, you baby may move into the path of the needle and be injured.
• You could suffer a hemorrhage if your placenta or umbilical cord is punctured.
• If the doctor did not obtain sufficient amniotic fluid, she may have to conduct the procedure again

Amniocentesis is not a mandatory prenatal test. If it is offered to you, discuss all of the pros and cons with your health care provider as well as your partner to make the choice that is right for you.

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