Have you ever wondered what Amniocentesis is? You may have heard of it and were curious about how it works but have yet to get around to doing any research. You may consider getting more information about your baby’s health. Or maybe you’re just wondering what all the fuss is about.
In this article, we’ll look at what exactly happens during this procedure and some of its potential risks and benefits.
What is Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a procedure to test for genetic disorders during pregnancy, usually after the first trimester. It’s performed by inserting a long needle through the abdomen into the uterus to extract a small amount of amniotic fluid.
Amniocentesis can be used to check for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome and Trisomy 18. If you’re at risk for carrying a fetus with a genetic disorder, your doctor will likely recommend an amniocentesis. Before proceeding, you’ll need to sign consent forms and be given information about this procedure’s risks and benefits.
Amniocentesis Uses
Amniocentesis can be performed as early as 11 weeks into pregnancy and should be done between 16 and 20 weeks. The decision to do an amniocentesis should only be made after consultation with your doctor, who may recommend genetic counseling before you decide whether or not to proceed with the procedure.
The main benefits of doing an amniocentesis are:
- Find out if your baby has a genetic disorder.
- Determine the sex of your baby.
- Check for some birth defects, such as spina bifida.
- Determine whether you’re at risk of going into preterm labor.
- Find out whether you have an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or genital herpes.
Amniocentesis is not offered to all pregnant women. It’s only offered if there’s a higher chance your baby could have a genetic condition.
This could be because:
- You’re over 35 and your doctor thinks there’s a higher chance of Down syndrome or another genetic condition (or the mother or father is over 50)
- You had a previous pregnancy with an abnormality like Down syndrome or Turner syndrome (also known as “monosomy X”)
- You’ve had an ultrasound that showed some signs of fetal chromosomal problems, like missing limbs or organs or an abnormal heart shape
Amniocentesis Risks and Complications
Amniocentesis is generally considered to be a safe procedure. However, there are some risks involved with the test. If you’re considering having an amniocentesis, tell your doctor about any medical conditions or medications you take.
Risks include:
Bleeding
Heavy bleeding can occur during or after the procedure. Your doctor may give you an injection to help prevent this.
Infection
Rarely, infection occurs in the uterus after amniocentesis. If you experience fever or chills, contact your doctor immediately.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage as a result of amniocentesis is very rare; however, if you miscarry soon after having this test done, it could have been caused by it.
Image Source: iStock
Preterm labor
Preterm labor (labor that happens before 37 weeks) is also very rare after amniocentesis; however, if you go into preterm labor as a result of this test being performed, it can cause serious complications for both you and your baby.
Amniocentesis method
Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that can tell whether your baby has Down syndrome (and several other genetic conditions). It’s also known as amniotic fluid testing.
The procedure involves removing a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding your baby and testing it for genetic abnormalities. Amniotic fluid contains fetal cells, which carry the same genetic material as your baby’s DNA.
Amniocentesis is usually done between weeks 16 and 20 of pregnancy. The procedure typically takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t have any major risks associated with it.
Your doctor will administer local anesthesia to numb the area where they insert a needle through your abdomen into your uterus so that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure itself—but it does take some time for this numbing effect to kick in.
If you choose to get an amniocentesis, ensure you’re up-to-date on all vaccinations before going into labor so that your newborn doesn’t come into contact with harmful bacteria while going through those first few days in utero without having had their first shot yet!
How is the amniocentesis test is done?
To perform an amniocentesis, your doctor will use a long needle to remove some of the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. This fluid contains cells that your baby has shed.
Your doctor will then send these cells off to a laboratory where they can be analysed under a microscope or through other methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing or karyotyping (which allows doctors to look at specific chromosomes).
Image Source: Shutterstock
Is amniocentesis painful?
When you find out that you’re pregnant and are deciding whether or not to have an amnio, the first question on your mind might be: “Is amnio painful?”
The answer is: it depends.
An amniocentesis test involves inserting a needle into your abdomen so the doctor can take a fluid sample from your uterus. This process can be uncomfortable, but most people report it’s no more painful than getting blood drawn or giving yourself a flu shot. Some people even describe it as feeling like a kick in the stomach.
Still, if you’ve had previous experiences with needles or feared them, this might be something to mention during your consultation with your doctor. Suppose there’s any chance that you’ll feel anxious about the procedure itself. In that case, he or she can offer reassurances and other options—such as scheduling it for after an early morning appointment when you’re likely to be more relaxed.
Couple checking with the OB if Amniocentesis is needed
Preparing for amniocentesis
As you prepare for your amniocentesis, here are some things to keep in mind:
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies or other conditions that might be affected by the procedure.
Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your appointment. This includes coffee, tea, soda, and even water!
If you need to drink something during the day of your appointment, make sure it doesn’t contain caffeine or carbonation. Your doctor will advise you on what’s best for you during your pregnancy and whether it’s safe to consume these beverages.
Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that might make it difficult for you to breathe deeply (like running). You should also avoid lifting heavy objects like furniture or laundry baskets because this could put additional stress on your back muscles which could cause pain during labor later on down the road (and possibly even during this procedure).
What are the warning signs to look for after amniocentesis?
It’s normal to feel some discomfort after your procedure, but if you experience any of the following signs, contact your doctor right away:
- a fever higher than 37.5°C
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- severe pain at the incision site
- bleeding from the incision site
Is amniocentesis available in the Philippines?
Yes, amniocentesis is available in the Philippines.
Amniocentesis is a prenatal test involving a sample of the fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb. This fluid contains fetal cells, which can be analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or Trisomy 18.
In Singapore, amniocentesis can be performed on women who are 35 years old or older, have already had a child with Down syndrome, or have an increased risk of genetic disorders due to family history or medical history. The procedure itself is performed in the first trimester at around 15 weeks gestation.
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
