Contents:
Medical Video: Amniocentesis (Amniotic Fluid Test)
Definition
What is amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a prenatal procedure that your doctor may recommend for you during pregnancy. This test checks for fetal abnormalities (birth defects) such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis or spina bifida in your fetus. In most cases, the results are normal. Amniocentesis is only performed on women who are considered more at risk of giving birth to children with birth defects. Discuss with your doctor or obstetrician about Amniocentesis that is right for you. Amniocentesis is carried out between weeks 16 and 20. During this time, the baby is in about 130ml of amniotic fluid, which he constantly swallows and removes. This fluid will be examined to obtain information about the baby (including sex) and to detect physical abnormalities such as Down syndrome or spina bifida. From the amniotic fluid sample, DNA can also be tested to identify various genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and fragile X syndrome.
When do I need to undergo amniocentesis?
As women age, the risk of having children with Down syndrome begins to increase significantly, from around one to 2,000 (at the age of 20) to one in 100 (at the age of 40 years). Pregnant women who may have to undergo an amniocentesis test are: women over the age of 40 (women aged 37 years and over are usually offered this test) women with a history of chromosomal abnormalities in their families, such as Down syndrome women who have children with female chromosome abnormalities known carriers of genetic abnormalities of women whose partners have a family history of genetic abnormalities or female chromosomal abnormalities whose blood test results are "serum screen" or ultrasound examination show abnormal results.
If your doctor has recommended amniocentesis, the procedure is usually scheduled between the 15th and 18th weeks of pregnancy.
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing amniocentesis?
There is a small risk that amniocentesis can cause miscarriages (less than 1%, or about 1 in 200 to 1 of 400). Injuries to infants or mothers, infections, and preterm labor are other potential complications that can occur, but very rarely. Chorionic villus sampling is a procedure that involves removing small pieces of the placenta and can be done between 11 and 13 weeks. Detailed scans and blood tests may be done but this test can only show that your baby has a problem, without explaining the problem specifically. It is important for you to know the warnings and precautions before carrying out this operation. If you have questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.
Process
What should I do before amniocentesis?
You will receive a genetic examination before the procedure. After the risks and benefits of amniocentesis have really been explained to you, you can choose whether you want to undergo this procedure or not.
What is the process of amniocentesis?
Steps taken in amniocentesis:
the patient is lying down, then the doctor determines the position of the fetus and placenta through an ultrasound scan. when the doctor has found a safe location for injection, the doctor will clean the patient's stomach with an antiseptic and inject local anesthesia into the skin using a long, thin needle, the doctor takes about 15 to 20ml (about three teaspoons) of amniotic fluid. This takes about 30 seconds for the fetus to be examined afterwards to make sure everything is fine. The doctor will notify you when the results are as expected. In some cases, the results may take up to three weeks.
What should I do after amniocentesis?
You may have to wait for surgery for about 20 minutes after surgery before going home. Most women mention that amniocentesis is not painful, but it is recommended to continue to rest for one hour or more after that. If you have questions relating to the process of this test, consult your doctor for a better understanding.
Complications
What complications can occur?
● miscarriage
● vaginal spots or bleeding
● the membranes rupture early
● infection in your uterus
● discomfort or cramps
● injury to your baby
● failure to get fluids at the first attempt
● fluid failed to check
● uncertain results
● the liquid taken is stained with blood
If you have questions about possible complications, please consult your doctor for more information.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
