Why should I take the test?💡

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which the amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus for testing. Not only does amniotic fluid protect the fetus from injury, allow the baby to develop healthily, and control the temperature of the fetus, but it also helps check fetal well-being and diagnose problems. 

If you have a family history of genetic disorder or receive abnormal prenatal screening test results, the test is recommended to identify any chromosomal abnormalities. If preterm labor occurs, amniocentesis may be done to check for uterine infection, fetal lung maturity and determine whether the baby’s lung is mature enough for birth. If you accumulate too much amniotic fluid, the test alerts the necessity of draining out excess fluid from your uterus.

The test can also evaluate the severity of anemia in babies who have Rh sensitization, a rare condition in which the baby’s and mother’s blood are mixed up and the mother’s immune system produces antibodies against Rh protein on the surface of the baby’s red blood cells. If you carry any risk of a sex-linked genetic disease, or risk of open neural tube defects in the second trimester, you are recomended to take the test.

How is the test done?💉

Amniocentesis is usually done between week 15 and 20 of pregnancy. If you have amniocentesis before week 20 of pregnancy, having a full bladder during the procedure is beneficial. You should check with your provider how much fluid that you should drink before your appointment. 

On the other hand, after 20 weeks of pregnancy, your bladder should be empty to lower the risk of puncture with the needle. After locating your baby using ultrasound, you will lie on your back, expose your abdomen while the doctor cleans your abdomen with antiseptic and inserts a thin, hollow needle through your abdominal wall and into the placenta. Then, a small amount of amniotic fluid is suctioned into a syringe and the needle is removed. The specific amount of fluid withdrawn depends on how the pregnancy has progressed. 

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:

Before the procedure

You will be given a consent form before the doctor conducts the procedure. Generally, there is no restriction on diet or activity before an amniocentesis.

If you are allergic to latex or sensitive to any medication such as anesthetic agents, you should notify your doctor immediately. Tell the doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders, or take anticoagulant medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. 

During the procedure, your blood and the baby’s blood can be mixed up so make sure you already inform your doctor if your blood type is Rh negative. Finally, be ready!

After the procedure

After the procedure, your vital signs and the baby’s heart rate will be monitored for a while. You can continue your activities throughout the day but avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. 

You may feel some cramping, a bit lightheaded or dizzy. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any bleeding or leaking of amniotic fluid at the puncture site, fever or chills, severe belly pain, or any changes in the baby’s activities. 

Risks of the procedure

Amniocentesis is associated with various risks, including miscarriage, needle injury, Rh sensitization, infection or amniotic fluid leakage. The risk of pregnancy loss is higher if you do the test before 15 weeks of pregnancy. During the procedure, the baby might slightly move around into the path of the needle, causing mild injuries. 

The test rarely triggers infection. The decision to have an amniocentesis is totally up to you. Your healthcare provider will help you weigh all your options before you make this important decision.