Amniocentesis is a test that can be done during pregnancy to look for certain problems in the developing baby. These problems include:. Amniocentesis is used to determine the health of an unborn baby. Amniotic fluid contains cells that are normally shed from the fetus. Samples of these cells are obtained by withdrawing some amniotic fluid. The chromosome analysis of these cells can be performed to determine abnormalities.

In addition, the cells may be cultured and analyzed for enzymes, or for other materials that may indicate genetically transmitted diseases. Other studies can be done directly on the amniotic fluid including measurement of alpha-fetoprotein.

In amniocentesis a hollow needle is inserted into the mother's abdomen into the uterus, and amniotic fluid is drawn for analysis. When you are about 15 weeks pregnant, your doctor may offer amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is a test that detects or rules out certain inherited disorders in a fetus. It also assesses lung maturity to see if the fetus can endure an early delivery.

You can also find out the baby's gender. Doctors generally offer amniocentesis to women with an increased risk of having a baby with particular disorders. The procedure may be offered to women who will be 35 or older when they deliver, have a close relative with a disorder, or had a previous pregnancy or baby affected by a disorder. It may also be offered if a woman has test results such as a high or low alpha-fetoprotein count that may indicate an abnormality.

Doctors also offer amniocentesis to women with pregnancy complications, such as Rh-incompatibility, that necessitate early delivery.

There are blood tests and ultrasound tests that can be done earlier in the pregnancy which may avoid the need for amniocentesis at times. Amniocentesis removes a small amount of fluid from the sac around the baby in the womb uterus. It is most often done in a doctor's office or medical center.

A syringe is then used to remove a small sample of the amniotic fluid, which will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. In about 8 out of every women who have amniocentesis, not enough fluid is removed the first time the needle is inserted.

If this happens, the needle will be inserted again. Afterwards, you will be monitored for up to an hour, in case the test causes any side effects, such as heavy bleeding. You can then go home to rest. It's a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you might not feel up to it yourself.

After amniocentesis, it's normal to have cramps similar to period pain and light vaginal bleeding called "spotting" for a day or two. You can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol but not ibuprofen or aspirin if you experience any discomfort. Contact your midwife or the hospital where the procedure was carried out for advice as soon as possible if you develop any of the following symptoms after the procedure:.

The first results should be available within a few days, and this will tell you whether a health condition or chromosome condition has been discovered.

After amniocentesis has been carried out, the sample of amniotic fluid will be sent to a laboratory for testing. If your baby has a health condition or chromosomal condition, your midwife or health professional will talk to you about your result and give you time to understand what it means. Some parents may decide to continue with the pregnancy, while others will feel that ending the pregnancy is right for them.

Only you can decide what is best for you and your family. As well as discussing it with specialist healthcare professionals, talk things over with your partner and speak to close friends and family, if you think it might help.

Before you decide to have amniocentesis, you'll be told about the risks and possible complications. There's a small risk of miscarriage loss of the pregnancy occurring in any pregnancy, regardless of whether or not you have amniocentesis. It's not known for certain why amniocentesis can lead to a miscarriage. However, it may be caused by factors such as infection, bleeding or damage to the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby.

Most miscarriages that happen after amniocentesis occur within 72 hours of the procedure. However, in some cases a miscarriage can occur later than this up to two weeks afterwards. During amniocentesis, the placenta the organ that links the mother's blood supply to her unborn baby's may be punctured by the needle.

It's sometimes necessary for the needle to enter the placenta to access the amniotic fluid. If this happens, the puncture wound usually heals without any more problems developing. An ultrasound scanner is now commonly used to guide the needle, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

As with all types of surgical procedures, there's a risk of infection during or after amniocentesis. Infection can occur if there are bacteria on your skin or on the instruments being used. If your blood type is rhesus RhD negative, but your baby's blood type is RhD positive, it's possible for sensitisation to occur during amniocentesis. This is where some of your baby's blood enters your bloodstream and your body starts to produce antibodies to attack it.

If it's not treated, this can cause the baby to develop rhesus disease. If you don't already know your blood type, a blood test will be carried out before amniocentesis to see if there's a risk of sensitisation. An injection of a medication called anti-D immunoglobulin can be given to stop sensitisation occurring, if necessary. Having amniocentesis early before week 15 of the pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of the unborn baby developing club foot.

Club foot, also known as talipes, is a deformity of the ankle and foot that's present at birth congenital. Because of the increased risk of a baby developing club foot, amniocentesis isn't recommended before 15 weeks of pregnancy. Home Tests and treatments Biopsies Amniocentesis. Amniocentesis See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. Overview 2. Why it's offered 3. What happens 4. Results 5. Overview Amniocentesis is a test you may be offered during pregnancy to check if your baby has a health condition or chromosomal condition.

When amniocentesis is offered Amniocentesis isn't routinely offered to all pregnant women. This could be because: an earlier antenatal screening test has suggested there may be a health condition or chromosomal condition you've had a previous pregnancy with health condition or chromosomal condition you have a family history of a health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy, and a health condition is detected in your baby during a routine ultrasound scan It's important to remember that you don't have to have amniocentesis if it's offered.

How amniocentesis is performed Amniocentesis is usually carried out between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, but may be performed later than this if necessary. Getting your results The first results of the test should be available within three working days and this will tell you whether your baby has a health condition or chromosomal condition.

What are the risks of amniocentesis? What are the alternatives? Why it's offered Amniocentesis is offered to pregnant women at risk of having a baby with a health condition or chromosomal condition.

You don't have to have the test if it's offered — it's up to you to choose whether you want it. Discuss with your doctor or obstetrician whether amniocentesis is right for you. Amniocentesis can detect a number of chromosomal and other birth abnormalities in a developing fetus. These include:. As a woman grows older, the risk of having a child with Down syndrome begins to increase significantly — from about one in 2, at age 20 years to one in at 40 years.

Pregnant women who may be candidates for amniocentesis include:. Before having amniocentesis, it is usual for the woman and her partner to be counselled on the risks of the procedure. The entire procedure takes about 90 minutes. Steps involved in amniocentesis:. The doctor will advise when the results are expected.

In some cases, the results may take up to three weeks. You may need to wait in the surgery for around 20 minutes before leaving for home. Most women find amniocentesis to be painless, although it is recommended to continue resting for an hour or so afterwards. Side effects of the procedure may include:. While amniocentesis is generally considered a safe procedure, possible complications may include:. Most women feel fine after the procedure and no alteration to normal routine is necessary.

However, it is generally advised that you take it easy for the next couple of days. Amniocentesis rarely causes harm to either the mother or her baby in the long term.

Complications following amniocentesis are very rare. However, if you experience unusual symptoms, such as bleeding from your vagina, seek medical attention promptly. Did you know that deaths from injury are 2. That men are more likely to die from preventable diseases?

During fetal development, the diaphragm or abdominal wall may fail to properly fuse, allowing the abdominal organs to protrude. The abdominal muscles support the trunk, allow movement and hold organs in place by regulating internal abdominal pressure. The type of pain felt in the abdomen can vary greatly.

Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only.