Question 1

can i refuse an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

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 3

how accurate is the amniocentesis test?

Accepted Answer

Very accurate: Amniocentesis actually maps the tested chromosomes in detail in order to detect abnormalities.

Question 4

what bad things can come from an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Amniocentesis : The major complications of an amniocentesis are rupture of membranes, direct fetal injury, indirect fetal injury, infection, and fetal loss. The risk of fetal loss can range from 1 in 300 to 1 in 500.

Question 5

what is the risk of having the  amniocentesis test?

Accepted Answer

Mostly safe: An amniocentesis is usually done for genetic testing. It can lead to infection in the amniotic fluid, rupture of membranes (breaking your water), or induction of labor. If this happens and the pregnancy is very early, a miscarriage occurs. The risk of these things happening is about 1 in 200 to 500. If the amnio is late in pregnancy and any of this happens, baby is delivered.

Question 6

should i have cvs or amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: CVS and amniocentesis are tests that some patients will choose to have to help get a diagnosis. They allow testing of the baby's genes and help diagnosis genetic defects. These tests are not done routinely on everyone but rather on those who are at high risk for genetic diseases. Age > 35 or an abnormal blood test for Down syndrome would be examples of those who might consider this.

Question 7

is it safe to get an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Amniocentesis is largely safe, though in very rare cases the membranes (bag of waters) can be ruptured by the procedure.  We used to quote 1:300 risk, but with modern amnio needles and ultrasound guidance the risk is now much lower.  Ruptures that occur from amnio are typically small and often reseal on their own.

Question 8

what are the risks of an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Risks vs benefits!: The risks of amniocentesis include infection and bleeding, and miscarriage, i.e., losing the pregnancy. Pregnancy loss is not likely to occur, but it can. The question is: what will you do with the information you get? Many couples abort fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities - others do not. If you are sure you would not abort a fetus, the risk of having an amnio may not be worth it - to you.

Question 9

why is it important to do cvs or amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

Personal decision: Both tests are 100% accurate in determining whether or not the baby has chromosomal problems like down's syndrome.  Women over 40 have a 1 in 20 risk of this.  Some people would terminate the pregnancy if they knew the baby had a chromosomal problem.  The cvs gives you info earlier than the amnio but has a higher miscarriage rate.

Question 10

how big is the needle used for an amniocentesis?

Accepted Answer

See below: Depending on whether it has side ports and/or a catheter, the needle is 8-15 CM long and 20-21g (about 0.8-0.9 mm wide).

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Can i refuse an amniocentesis?

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How accurate is the amniocentesis test?

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What bad things can come from an amniocentesis?

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What is the risk of having the amniocentesis test?

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Should i have cvs or amniocentesis?

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Is it safe to get an amniocentesis?

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What are the risks of an amniocentesis?

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Why is it important to do cvs or amniocentesis?

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How big is the needle used for an amniocentesis?

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