The procedure:
Before having amniocentesis, it is usual for the woman and her partner to be counselled on the risks of the procedure. Amniocentesis is performed between 16 and 20 weeks into the pregnancy. The woman lies down, and the position of the foetus and the placenta are determined by an ultrasound scan. When the doctor is sure of a safe spot, they swab the woman's belly with antiseptic and inject a local anaesthetic into the skin. Using a long, thin needle, the doctor extracts about 15 to 20ml (approximately three teaspoons) of amniotic fluid. This takes about 30 seconds or so. The foetus is checked afterwards to make sure all is well. The entire procedure can take around 90 minutes.
1. Immediately after the procedure:
You may need to wait in the surgery for around 20 minutes before leaving for home. Most patients find amniocentesis to be painless, although it is recommended to continue resting for an hour or so afterwards. The doctor will advise when the results are expected. In some cases, the results may take up to three weeks. Side effects of the procedure may include:
Mild discomfort
Slight bruising at the injection site.
2. Possible complications:
While amniocentesis is generally considered a safe procedure, possible complications may include:
Infection - symptoms of which include high fever. Contact your doctor immediately.
Vaginal leakage - amniotic fluid may leak from the vagina in about one per cent of cases. Contact your doctor for reassurance. In most cases, the leakage slows and stops within two days or so.
Spontaneous abortion - can occur in less than one per cent of women undergoing this test. Exact figures are hard to calculate, since some miscarriages would have happened anyway - with or without the amniocentesis.
Injury to the baby - very rarely, the needle used during the procedure may accidentally touch some part of the baby's body.
3. Taking care of yourself at home:
Most women feel fine after the procedure, and no alteration to normal routine is necessary. However, it is generally advised to take it easy for the next couple of days.
4. Long term outlook:
Amniocentesis rarely causes harm to either the mother or her baby in the long term. Complications following amniocentesis are very rare, but if you experience unusual symptoms, such as losing blood vaginally, seek medical attention promptly.
5. Where to get help:
Your doctor
Gynaecologist.
6. Things to remember:
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure performed on a pregnant woman to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the foetus.
The goal of amniocentesis is to examine a tiny amount of this fluid to obtain information about the baby, including its sex, and to detect physical abnormalities such as Down's syndrome or spina bifida.
Amniocentesis is only performed on women thought to be at higher risk of delivering a child with a birth defect.
Before having amniocentesis, it is usual for the woman and her partner to be counselled on the risks of the procedure. Amniocentesis is performed between 16 and 20 weeks into the pregnancy. The woman lies down, and the position of the foetus and the placenta are determined by an ultrasound scan. When the doctor is sure of a safe spot, they swab the woman's belly with antiseptic and inject a local anaesthetic into the skin. Using a long, thin needle, the doctor extracts about 15 to 20ml (approximately three teaspoons) of amniotic fluid. This takes about 30 seconds or so. The foetus is checked afterwards to make sure all is well. The entire procedure can take around 90 minutes.
1. Immediately after the procedure:
You may need to wait in the surgery for around 20 minutes before leaving for home. Most patients find amniocentesis to be painless, although it is recommended to continue resting for an hour or so afterwards. The doctor will advise when the results are expected. In some cases, the results may take up to three weeks. Side effects of the procedure may include:
Mild discomfort
Slight bruising at the injection site.
2. Possible complications:
While amniocentesis is generally considered a safe procedure, possible complications may include:
Infection - symptoms of which include high fever. Contact your doctor immediately.
Vaginal leakage - amniotic fluid may leak from the vagina in about one per cent of cases. Contact your doctor for reassurance. In most cases, the leakage slows and stops within two days or so.
Spontaneous abortion - can occur in less than one per cent of women undergoing this test. Exact figures are hard to calculate, since some miscarriages would have happened anyway - with or without the amniocentesis.
Injury to the baby - very rarely, the needle used during the procedure may accidentally touch some part of the baby's body.
3. Taking care of yourself at home:
Most women feel fine after the procedure, and no alteration to normal routine is necessary. However, it is generally advised to take it easy for the next couple of days.
4. Long term outlook:
Amniocentesis rarely causes harm to either the mother or her baby in the long term. Complications following amniocentesis are very rare, but if you experience unusual symptoms, such as losing blood vaginally, seek medical attention promptly.
5. Where to get help:
Your doctor
Gynaecologist.
6. Things to remember:
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure performed on a pregnant woman to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the foetus.
The goal of amniocentesis is to examine a tiny amount of this fluid to obtain information about the baby, including its sex, and to detect physical abnormalities such as Down's syndrome or spina bifida.
Amniocentesis is only performed on women thought to be at higher risk of delivering a child with a birth defect.
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