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Amniocentesis During pregnancy your baby is safely cushioned by clear liquid
called 'amniotic fluid', which is enclosed by a sac, made of a
strong, waterproof material, called 'amnion'.
The amniotic fluid has several important properties which make it
tremendously useful in prenatal diagnosis. Firstly, because the
fluid is constantly recycled by the baby, it contains chemicals
which reflect the baby's health, and secondly, cells are rubbed off
the baby's skin, due to it moving about. When an amniocentesis is
necessary, it is these cells that are used during testing.
How and why is it done?
An amniocentesis is carried out in the doctors consulting rooms or
in a hospital, usually done at around 12-16 weeks. During this
procedure, the doctor will extract a sample of amniotic fluid from
the sac that surrounds the fetus. Using ultrasound, to allow a
precise view of where to insert the needle, and to avoid touching
the fetus. The doctor carefully guides the needle through the
abdomen and the uterus into the amniotic sac. A small sample of
fluid is then withdrawn, and sent to a lab for testing. Here the
cells are grown in a special fluid for several days, before testing
begins. If you are carrying twins, the doctor will need to take a
sample from each sac.
The procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes, with the results being
available 3-4 weeks later.
This test allows the doctor to assess any chromosomal abnormalities
or neural defects, that may be present, due to a family history of
the condition. Many women complain of severe pain, while others
experience only slight discomfort, so the severity of the pain you
endure, probably depends on your personal pain threshold.
Are there problems with Amniocentesis?
Although, amniocentesis is extremely effective in detecting
abnormalities, there are a few risks that have to be considered.
Side effects that may occur include cramping, bleeding, infection
and leaking of amniotic fluid after the procedure. Injury to the
fetus is rare. There is a small risk of miscarriage following the
procedure, so this and all other factors should be fully explained
to you by your doctor - less than 1 in 200 women who have the test
will have a miscarriage.
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