Question 1

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 2

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  Amniotic fluid is withdrawn.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 3

how accurate is amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

100%: Amniocentesis is 100% accurate.

Question 4

how risky is an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

can i refuse an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

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 7

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.

Question 8

what happens during an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Amnio step-by-step: Consent is obtained; questions are answered. Ultrasound is used to find best location for needle. Iodine is wiped on skin. Ultrasound is placed on abdomen again. Skin may or may not be numbed by injection. Amniocentesis needle (long but thin) is inserted through abdominal wall into amniotic sac. Syringe is attached; fluid is withdrawn. Heartbeat is checked. Skin is cleaned. Instructions are given.

Question 9

why do i need to get an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Genetic or baby test: Amniocentesis is generally done for 3 different reasons. It is done at 16-18 weeks to test for genetic problems. It may be done in the few weeks before your due date to test for baby lung maturity to see if it is safe for the baby to deliver. It can be done in the middle of pregnancy to test for signs of infection or blood problems in the baby.

Question 10

what are indications for amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Intra uterine diagno: Multiple indications for amniocentesis exist. The most common use of amniocentesis is to diagnose fetal chromosomal anomalies after other tests such as ultrasound or biophysical markers have determined a significant likelihood that the fetus will be affected with a chromosomal problem. Other diagnostic tests performed using amniocentesis are determining fetal lung maturity and evaluating alloimmunization. Amniocentesis can also be used to obtain samples to rule out chorioamnionitis in cases in which the clinical picture is unclear, as well as to deliver intra-amniotic dye in cases in which premature rupture of membranes is suspected.[2, 3, 4, 5]

Therapeutic indications for an amniocentesis may include the direct delivery of medications to the unborn fetus and to release intrauterine pressure in the presence of polyhydramnios.

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Amniocentesis

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What is amniocentesis?

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How risky is an amniocentesis?

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Can i refuse an amniocentesis?

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What is an amniocentesis (amnio)?

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Why do i need to get an amniocentesis?

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What are indications for amniocentesis?

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