A 36-year-old member asked:
what is amniocentesis?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
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.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Kang Zhanganswered
Ophthalmology 26 years experience
Amniotic fluid: Amniocentesis is a technique for obtaining amniotic fluid from the uterine cavity using a needle. It can be for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is most commonly used to evaluate fetal health (e.g., lung maturity, presence of infection...Etc.).
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Parul Krishnamurthyanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 34 years experience
Wait for results: I presume you are undergoing amniocentesis for genetic testing. Take it easy for a day or so, your doctor will give you precautions to follow
4k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
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Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
How accurate is amniocentesis?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
100%: Amniocentesis is 100% accurate.
6.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Can I refuse an amniocentesis?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Neeoo Chinanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Yes: No body can do any test on you that you do not feel comfortable with.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What happens during an amniocentesis?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
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 Syringe is attached; fluid is withdrawn.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.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
How risky is an amniocentesis?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Miriam Sivkinanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 36 years experience
Has risks: All procedures have risks and benefits. Refer to provider for their risk ratio.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
What is amniocentesis like?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Whitinganswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 27 years experience
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.
974 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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