Question 1

are there any risks to the amniocentesis procedure?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: As with any procedure, there are risks. Possible complications include direct or indirect fetal injury, rupture of membranes, infection, & miscarriage. Maternal injury and direct injury to the fetus are especially rare. Timing also affects risk-- amniocentesis done before 15 weeks carries a higher risk of complications. Second trimester amniocentesis carries the lowest risk of fetal loss.

Question 2

is a cvs a higher risk procedure than amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

No: Amniocentesis is usually offered between 15-20 weeks, with a pregnancy loss rate of about 1 in 300-500.  Chorionic villus sampling (cvs) is offered after 9 weeks.  The pregnancy loss rate appears to be about the same as amniocentesis.  There are additional fetal risks if it is performed before 7 weeks.  The benefit of cvs is earlier detection, which allows for safer termination, if desired.

Question 3

is amniocentesis a safe enough procedure to be performed even when risk of down syndrome per marker tests is low ?

Accepted Answer

AMNIOCENTESIS: Amniocentesis  is a safe procedure under the hands of an expert. Your OB should know when it is necessary.

Question 4

what is amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Amnio is a procedure: Amniocentesis is the procedure during which a long, slim needle is inserted through the prenant woman's abdominal and uterine walls and through the membranes of the amniotic sac, and fluid is aspirated/drawn into a syringe attached to that needle. Fluid can be studied for chromosomes (karyotype) or special genetic disorders, for infection, for lung maturity and for other conditions of baby or mom.

Question 5

what is amniocentesis like?

Accepted Answer

Like an ultrasound..: Its like getting an ultrasound of your baby.  While doing the ultrasound, the doctor looks for a pocket of amniotic fluid.  Under direct visualization with the ultrasound, the needle is inserted into the fluid pocket.  Amniotic fluid is withdrawn.  The needle is removed.   Its usually not more painful than a flu shot.  Best wishes.

Question 6

how accurate is amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

100%: Amniocentesis is 100% accurate.

Question 7

how risky is an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Has risks: All procedures have risks and benefits. Refer to provider for their risk ratio.

Question 8

can i refuse an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: No body can do any test on you that you do not feel comfortable with.

Question 9

what will amniocentesis be like?

Accepted Answer

Not so bad: The doctor will look for a pocket of amniotic fluid using ultrasound.  He or she will then introduce a long but very thin needle into this pocket and withdraw some fluid.  The needle is a little painful going into the skin but it is very thin so it should not be severe.  There is a cramp when it goes through the uterine wall.  Most women think it wasn't as bad as they feared.

Question 10

what is an amniocentesis (amnio)?

Accepted Answer

Needling procedure.: Amnioparacentesis in greek (amnio for short) is a prenatal invasive diagnostic genetic procedure devised to glean information from the pregnancy sac with small risk. It is used to determine fetal dna make-up, mutations, anemia, infections, open neural tube or abdominal wall defects. It is typically done 16-22 weeks by maternal-fetal or genetic specialists; complications occur in 1:100-1:1, 000.

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Amniocentesis procedure video

A member asked:

Are there any risks to the amniocentesis procedure?

A member asked:

Is a cvs a higher risk procedure than amniocentesis?

A member asked:

Is amniocentesis a safe enough procedure to be performed even when risk of down syndrome per marker tests is low ?

A member asked:

What is amniocentesis?

A member asked:

What is amniocentesis like?

A member asked:

How accurate is amniocentesis?

A member asked:

How risky is an amniocentesis?

A member asked:

Can i refuse an amniocentesis?

A member asked:

What will amniocentesis be like?

A member asked:

What is an amniocentesis (amnio)?

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