Pregnancy is also a time of anticipation and anxiety. Parents worry that the baby may have health problems despite taking all precautions. While most of the time, babies are born in great health, it is essential to know that there are options to learn more about the growing babies' health. One of those ways is through prenatal tests like Amniocentesis. Read below to learn what is amniocentesis and other useful information.
During pregnancy, the fetus develops in the amniotic sac. The fluid surrounds the baby for protection within the sac. It also has some of the cells of the fetus and these have genetic material that enables the diagnosis of certain genetic conditions. This amniotic fluid and the uterine cells are drawn for testing. Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that is performed to diagnose genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis or chromosomal problems like Down Syndrome. During this procedure, the health care provider will draw a small quantity of amniotic fluid using a thin needle from the sac around the fetus. This is then tested in the laboratory for defects.
The amniocentesis procedure is done during the second trimester, between gestational weeks 15 and 20. Having this test earlier poses certain risks, like a miscarriage. In a few rare cases, it may be performed during the later part of pregnancy or the third trimester. This is usually done as a treatment for polyhydramnios or to determine fetal lung development.
Knowing the amniocentesis meaning, it is important to know that not all women are recommended for amniocentesis during pregnancy. It is done when:
Amniocentesis tests are generally safe but have a 1:900 risk. Though this risk ratio is small, it can be serious for both the mother and the fetus. These include:
Amniocentesis is done during the second trimester, and that carries a small risk of 0.1 to0.3% of miscarriage despite being performed by a skilled professional. As per research, the risk of miscarriage is higher if done before 15 weeks of gestation.
During the tests, there is a likelihood of the baby moving a leg or an arm while injecting the needle and drawing the fluid. However, serious injuries are rare.
In some rare cases, the amniotic fluid starts to leak from the vagina after the test. In most cases, the loss of fluid is small and stops in a week with little impact on pregnancy.
Rarely, it causes the baby's blood cells to enter the mother’s bloodstream. Those with Rh-Ve blood who do not have antibodies have to be given an Rh immune globulin, after performing amniocentesis.
Women with an infection like HIV/AIDS may transfer it to the baby during amniocentesis.
This procedure takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, with the process of extraction taking only a few minutes. Most women do not find this procedure painful, but you may feel a sting or feel uncomfortable when the needle is inserted by the healthcare provider. Some may also feel a cramp like a period with a small menstrual flow during the procedure. It lasts only a few minutes. Coming to the question of accuracy, these test results are about 99% accurate in determining abnormalities. But it cannot measure the severity of the conditions. In some rare cases, factors like not collecting enough fluid lead to an inability to analyze the fluid.
If the amniocentesis results are positive, then the fetus has a specific health condition, and you will be referred to a neonatologist. One thing to remember is that the results do not reveal these verity. Depending on the diagnosis, specific treatments, medications, or surgeries are suggested. Conducting these tests helps you give the best treatment possible early and also prepares you for caring for a child with special needs.
It is a procedure performed to gather useful information about the health of the fetus.
Yes. This technique was being used to determine the gender of the baby, and the female fetus was aborted. So this procedure is banned in India.
The amniocentesis procedure is done between the second trimester, i.e., 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. In a few cases, these tests are done later in the pregnancy.
It can be used for prenatal gender determination, which leads to female infanticide, hence, it is banned in India.
No. It is usually not a painful procedure. But some women may have an uncomfortable feeling during the tests. It is more like a period of pain.
It is a prenatal diagnostic test that is done by the doctor to check for birth defects like Spina Bifida, cystic fibrosis and Down Syndrome.
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