Amniocentesis is a test done on the amniotic fluid that surrounds your fetus during pregnancy. An amniocentesis test is not routinely done for every pregnancy.
Generally, the circumstances for which an amniocentesis test is performed is if your fetus is at risk for certain birth defects or to assess fetus lung development when an early birth is necessary because of possible pregnancy complications. Occasionally an amniocentesis test is used to:
- diagnose a uterine infection
- decrease amniotic fluid volume
- evaluate fetal infections, other health problems
Genetic testing amniocentesis is usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy and lung testing amniocentesis done between 32 and 39 weeks.
Amniocentesis tests involve extracting a sample of your amniotic fluid because it naturally contains fetal cells. This test can reveal several health conditions, for instance:
- spina bifida
- cystic fibrosis
- Down syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- sickle cell anemia
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Klinefelter syndrome
Amniocentesis testing procedure involves inserting a thin needle through the abdominal wall and into your uterus. Then, a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn into a syringe. You can expect minor discomfort during the test, like slight pain when needle is inserted and cramping when it enters your uterus. And generally, an anesthetic is not used for this test.
Amniocentesis risks are small, but they must be considered. These risks include:
- miscarriage
- needle injury to fetus
- amniotic fluid leakage
- cramping & vaginal bleeding
- infection ~ can trigger uterine infection
- infectious disease transmission from you to fetus ~ hepatitis C, toxoplasmosis, HIV
- Rh sensitization ~ you have Rh negative blood, you’ll be given Rh immunoglobulin to prevent antibodies from forming
Although these amniocentesis risks are minimal, the decision to have an amniocentesis test done for chromosomal or hereditary abnormalities is ultimately your decision.