How to Prepare for an Amniocentesis

Surrounding an unborn baby in the womb is a liquid called amniotic fluid. Not only does amniotic fluid provide cushioning, it also contains hormones and enzymes, and skin cells that have been shed. Together, these provide important information about the baby's health. In some situations, your doctor may recommend that you undergo an amniocentesis, which is to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid to analyze it. Risks associated with amniocentesis include the possibility of infection, preterm labor and miscarriage. Your doctor will probably advise you to rest at home for a few hours after the procedure.

  1. About Amniocentesis

    • Amniocentesis is usually performed between 14 and 20 weeks gestation, although in rare cases, a doctor may perform one as early as 11 weeks. A doctor can also order an amniocentesis at the very end of pregnancy to ensure that a baby's lungs are adequately developed. The test is usually performed to look for genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome and neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. An amniocentesis may also be used as a paternity test.

    What to Expect

    • Early in the pregnancy, you'll be asked to come to the appointment with a full bladder. A full bladder essentially pushes the uterus into an accessible position. If you have an amniocentesis later in the pregnancy, the doctor may ask you to empty your bladder, to avoid accidental puncture. Your doctor may ask you to sign a consent form stating that you understand the risks of the procedure. He will apply a small quantity of gel and will use an ultrasound to locate the position of your baby. Next, your physician will apply an antiseptic and insert a long, thin needle into your abdomen to withdraw amniotic fluid. You may feel a burning sensation when the needle pierces your skin. The entire procedure will take about 30 minutes.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Deal With Pregnancy After Age 35
      If youre over 35 and expecting a baby, youre in good company -- approximately 20 percent of women in the United States have their first baby after the age of 35, and about 11 percent of all babies born each year have moms 35 and older. While there ar
    • Can you be pregnant for 44 weeks?
      It is very rare to be pregnant for 44 weeks. Heres why:* Standard Pregnancy Length: A typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks, calculated from the first day of the womans last menstrual period.* Due Date Range: Due dates are not exact. A doctor wil
    • How to Deal With Incontinence During Pregnancy
      Incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine, is common during pregnancy. It may be a mild, occasional inconvenience, or it may be a more problematic, regular occurrence. The most common form of pregnancy-related incontinence is stress incontinence