Question 1

is the amnio test painless ?

Accepted Answer

No.: Mild cramping and significant emotional stress are typical aroudn/after amniocentesis. Most operators do not use local anesthesia as its administration would hurt more than the amniocentesis itself. Take some tylenol (acetaminophen) right before the procedure to numb the colicky cramps that follow. Risk of loss of pregnancy is between 1% and 1/1000 cases.

Question 2

how do i prepare for my amnio?

Accepted Answer

Emotionally.: Emotional preparation would be my main advice to you. Otherwise, the procedure is pretty painless and quick and should not require much preparation on your part.

Question 3

is it necessary to do an amnio?

Accepted Answer

No: It is a personal decision.  Some patients want to know with 100% certainty whether or not the baby has a chromosomal problem and would terminate a pregnancy if it had such a problem.  Some patients do not want to risk losing a normal pregnancy because of the amnio and would not terminate the pregnancy.

Question 4

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 5

are all amnio tests sent away for testing?

Accepted Answer

Not all.: At baylor college of medicine, we are privileged to have one of the preeminent genetics departments in the United States, so our amniocentesis results are all obtained in-house. Most practices, however, do need to send the amniotic fluid specimens they collect to outside genetics laboratories. Keep in mind that tests such as sequenom's maternit21 will  render amniocenteses obsolete pretty soon.

Question 6

how can i decide whether i should get an amnio?

Accepted Answer

Genetic counseling: You should not have to make this decision alone.  Almost always, you will be provided with information -- pros, cons, risks, benefits, and alternatives -- by your physician or a referred genetic counselor.  Although a difficult decision, this test provides knowledge...Knowledge that you may want...To help you make the decision.

Question 7

not sure whether to undergo amnio. who could i ask?

Accepted Answer

Genetic counselor!: Consult with your family, obstetrician and genetic counselor! non-invasive options for prenatal diagnosis are now available that do not carry the risks of amniocentesis. Ultimately this is a personal choice that nobody else can make for you (nor judge).

Question 8

how long does it take to get back results of amnio?

Accepted Answer

1-14 days.: Fish results are usually back within 24 hours, but are not the final results. The final report should be ready within 10-14 days but may take up to 20 days in some cases.

Question 9

how do you do amnio on triplets?

Accepted Answer

Three samples.: Sampling each gestational (amniotic) sac is essential in triplet amniocentesis. This can only be reliably done by a few mfm specialists in the country and expert care should be sought.

Question 10

what will amnio tell me that cvs will not?

Accepted Answer

Nothing: Cvs can be done earlier in gestation but is more risky than amniocentesis.

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Are all amnio tests sent away for testing?

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How can i decide whether i should get an amnio?

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Not sure whether to undergo amnio. who could i ask?

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