Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed during pregnancy to determine whether or not a fetus suffers from a genetic disorder.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/amniocentesis.html Because the amniotic fluid which surrounds a baby within the uterus of its mother contains skin cells from the baby, genetic information can be obtained by sampling this fluid.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/amniocentesis

Amniocentesis involves the insertion of a needle into the uterus and the gestational sac of the fetus in order to extract amniotic fluid.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/amniocentesis Because of the level of risk this procedure carries to the unborn baby, an ultrasound is also performed at the same time as an amniocentesis in order to ensure proper placement of the needle.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/amniocentesis

There are several reasons an obstetrician might wish to perform an amniocentesis during pregnancy. The most common reason is to check for chromosomal abnormalities after certain screening tests, such as the alpa fetoprotein test, indicate such abnormalities may exist.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/amniocentesis/MY00155/DSECTION=why-its-done Women who have chromosome defects themselves, or a family history of a specific disorder, and those who have had a previous pregnancy affected by such a disorder are also candidates for amniocentesis.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/amniocentesis/MY00155/DSECTION=why-its-done Because the risk of genetic defects increases when a mother is over the age of 35, some doctors will order the test for older mothers, as well.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/amniocentesis/MY00155/DSECTION=why-its-done

In addition, an amniocentesis will be performed if a baby needs to be born early, in order to determine if the lungs are developed enough for the baby to survive outside the womb.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/amniocentesis/MY00155/DSECTION=why-its-done The test may also be performed to diagnose infection, either in the baby or the mother, evaluate the effects of Rh Incompatibility, or to decrease the amount of amniotic fluid if there is too much.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/amniocentesis/MY00155/DSECTION=why-its-done

The greatest risk facing mothers who undergo amniocentesis is loss of the pregnancy through miscarriage.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/amniocentesis.html Miscarriage after amniocentesis occurs in up to 1 in 200 cases.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/amniocentesis.html There is also a risk that the needle will come into contact with the fetus, though the use of ultrasound to guide the process makes this very rare.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/amniocentesis.html

Because amniocentesis is an outpatient procedure, no hospital stay is required. A woman having this test performed will need to arrive at the office with a full bladder to aid in the ultrasound process.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003921.htm Once the baby is visualized on ultrasound, the area where the needle will enter will be numbed, and the doctor will insert the needle into the abdomen to extract the sample of fluid.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003921.htm There may be some pain or stinging during the process. Once the sample is obtained, it will be sent to a lab to be analyzed.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/amniocentesis

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.