When is amniocentesis warranted and how is it analyzed

Yes, but you should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for two to three days. You may have menstrual-like cramps for a few hours, a small leakage of amniotic fluid, or discomfort around the needle site. Call your doctor if any of these side effects continue or worsen, or if you have a fever.

Your health insurance should cover the procedure if your doctor recommends it, although you may have to pay a portion of the cost. Probably the hardest part of having an amniocentesis is waiting for the results. If the lab's results indicate a problem, your doctor and a genetic counselor will explain the results and offer guidance about your options.

You can also consult with a pediatric or surgical specialist who can help you understand more about the disorder, treatment options, and future issues you may face. It may be possible to have additional testing, such as a specialized ultrasound exam, to find out more detail about a defect.

Expectant parents may face agonizing decisions at a relatively late stage of pregnancy, and need to consider physical, psychological, emotional, and financial issues. Chorionic villus sampling CVS is a diagnostic test that evaluates cells from the placenta that contain the same genes as the fetus.

The advantage of CVS is that it is done in the first trimester, typically between 10 and 13 weeks, and results are usually ready sooner. With an experienced doctor, the risk of miscarriage is about the same as for amniocentesis. Deciding whether to have an amniocentesis can be one of the most difficult decisions to make during pregnancy.

There is no right or wrong choice. It can be helpful to think about what you would do if the results come back positive. If you're certain you would never terminate a pregnancy for any reason, you should discuss your feelings with your healthcare provider. He or she can help you decide if having amniocentesis would be worthwhile. Knowing in advance that your baby will have special needs gives you time to prepare, get additional support, and perhaps arrange to deliver at a high-risk tertiary care hospital.

Some conditions can now even be treated while the baby is in the womb. Should You Get Amniocentesis? By the editors October 05, Save Pin FB More. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. An amniocentesis may be done on an outpatient basis or during a hospital stay. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices.

You and your fetus will be monitored for a time after the procedure. Your vital signs and the fetal heart rate will be checked regularly for an hour or longer. The amniotic fluid sample will be sent to a genetics lab. Alpha-fetoprotein, a protein made by the fetus and present in the fluid, may be measured to rule out an open neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. Testing may also be done for other substances related to metabolic or genetic conditions.

Depending on test results, counseling with a genetics specialist may be advised. You may feel some cramping during or after the procedure. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseated, tell the nurse. You may be told to rest on your left side. After the test, rest at home and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours, or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your situation. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. Amniotic fluid is a clear, pale yellow fluid that: Protects the fetus from injury Protects against infection Allows the baby to move and develop properly Helps control the temperature of the fetus Along with various enzymes, proteins, hormones, and other substances, the amniotic fluid contains cells shed by the fetus.

Why might I need an amniocentesis? Some conditions where an amniocentesis may be used for genetic and chromosome testing in the second trimester of pregnancy include: Family history or previous child with a genetic disease or metabolic disorder, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, or Tay Sachs disease Risk of open neural tube defects, such as spina bifida Maternal age over 35 years by the pregnancy due date Abnormal maternal screening tests Risk of a sex-linked genetic disease Amniocentesis may be used in the third trimester of pregnancy to check for: Fetal lung maturity when there is a potential for premature birth Uterine infection Rh disease Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend an amniocentesis.

What are the risks of an amniocentesis? Certain factors or conditions may interfere with an amniocentesis. These factors include: Pregnancy earlier than 14 weeks The position of the baby, placenta, amount of fluid, or mother's anatomy Women with twins or other multiples will need fluid samples from each amniotic sac to study each baby You may have other risks, depending on your condition.

How do I get ready for an amniocentesis? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and you can ask questions. You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Generally, there are no special limits on diet or activity before an amniocentesis. Among the cases of clubfeet, 25 were unilateral and 99 were bilateral. The results of our study could lead to defer systematic amniocentesis in cases of primiparous women diagnosed with an ITEV, with a familial history of clubfoot and a male fetus. A referent echographist in prenatal diagnosis should still perform a systematic morphologic echography.