Pregnancy

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information about amniocentesis: The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation  Phone: 1-888-MODIMES (663-4637) http://www.modimes.org American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  http://www.acog.org National Down Syndrome Society  Phone: 1-800-221-4602 http://www.ndss.org National Tay-Sachs & Allied Disease Association  Phone: 1-800-906-8723 http://www.ntsad.org Sickle Cell Disease Association of America  Phone: 1-800-421-8453 http://www.sicklecelldisease.org Cord Blood […]

Amniocentesis is a procedure performed during pregnancy in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn from a woman’s uterus to test for certain problems in the fetus, such as genetic defects, fetal infections, fetal lung immaturity, or Rh sensitization. The word “amniocentesis” literally means “puncture of the amnion,” the fluid-filled sac that encloses the fetus during pregnancy.

There are two types of tests that can be performed on amniotic fluid to show different types of problems with the fetus: Genetic amniocentesis Chemical tests The cells in the amniotic fluid contain genetic material that can be used to observe chromosomal abnormalities or defects in specific genes. Biochemical substances, like proteins and lipids, can

In amniocentesis, ultrasound (sound wave) monitoring is used to find the amniotic fluid and the placenta, to keep track of the fetus, and to insert the amniocentesis needle away from the baby. For more detailed information about ultrasound, go to Ultrasound. Drawing Amniotic Fluid The doctor or technician conducting the test will carefully clean the skin

Millions of women have safely undergone amniocentesis. However, the procedure does carry some risks: Miscarriage: The rate of miscarriage is estimated to be between one in 200 and one in 500. Infection: The procedure carries a low risk of uterine infection (less than one in 1,000), which can cause labor. If such an infection occurs,

Doctors typically encourage a formal counseling session – not just a short discussion in the doctor’s office – before parents decide about genetic amniocentesis. In the counseling session, parents can weigh the benefits against the modest risk from the procedure. They can also discuss specific gene or chemical tests that family and maternal histories may

Amniocentesis is highly accurate, but expectant parents must wait until at least the 15th week of pregnancy, and it does involve some risks. There are some other tests available that can either be done earlier or are less invasive. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is an alternative to amniocentesis that can be