Amniocentesis

Hello Hamiltons, this is where you can find out all about amniocentesis.

===Amniocentesis:  procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid containing fetal cells is withdrawn from the amniotic sac surrounding a fetus. The cells are then tested for the presence of genetic abnormalities. ===

Amniocentisis is a test before pregnancy where your doctor gets information from the fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus to determine if the baby has any disorders before it is born. This is usually done between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, but can be done anytime after that time. Amniocentisis detects almost all chromosomal disorders and some genetic disorders.

Risks of Amniocentisis
There is a 1 in 1,600 chance of a miscarriage because of Amniocentisis testing.

It is also advised to do the test around week 18. this is the safest time to do it. It is possible to effect the limbs of the baby if the procedure is preformed before week 18. Amniocentisis is also almost painless, but there is a small pinch feeling.

Reasons to get Amniocentisis
1. If the mother is over the age of thirty five.

2. If a parent is a carrier for a disease.

3. If a previous pregnancy had an outcome of a chromosomal disorder.

4. If someone in your family has a genetic disorder.

5. If an intra-amniotic infection might be in the patient.

6. Too much amniotic fluid is present.

7. Unequal sharing of the placenta( in twins).

8. Analysis of fetal cells.

9. The most common use, to see the fetal lung growth.

Other options:
Other options include Chronic Villus sampling or Percutaneous Umbilical chord blood sampling. This is a picture of amniocentisis. The needle is being inserted into the amniotic fluid to carefully pull out some of that fluid in order to test to see if the baby has any diseases.

For more information visit the Helpful Videos page for videos regarding amniocentesis.