Amniocentesis is a test that can tell you if your baby is having health problems, or if neural tube defects and infections are a possibility.
AmniocentesisAmniocentesis is a test that can tell you if your baby is having health problems, or if neural tube defects and infections are a possibility.If amniocentesis is done in late pregnancy, it can show how well your baby's lungs have developed.Some people choose not to have an amniocentesis. It's not a required test. Your health care provider might recommend other tests to give you this information. Talk with your health care provider about all of your options.Before the ProcedureYour health care provider will explain what happens during the procedure. He or she will also talk with you about any risks or complications that may happen. This is the time to ask any questions you have about the procedure.You'll be asked to sign a consent form that gives your health care provider permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.What to ExpectYou don't need to do anything to prepare for your amniocentesis. It is usually done between the fifteenth and twentieth weeks of your pregnancy.At the start of your amniocentesis, your health care provider will do an ultrasound. The ultrasound will show your baby's heart rate, as well as the location of the placenta, your baby, and the umbilical cord. Your health care provider will also look for a pocket of amniotic fluid.Your health care provider may numb the injection site with a mild anesthetic. Then, he or she will use ultrasound to guide a long, thin, hollow needle through your abdomen and to the amniotic sac inside your uterus. You may feel some cramping as the needle enters the uterus.If you are having twins, your health care provider may need to insert a second needle to get a bit of fluid from around the second twin.Using the needle, your health care provider takes a small amount of amniotic fluid. You may feel a tugging or pulling as this happens.Your health care provider removes the needle and puts a bandage over the needle site. The fluid is put into a test tube and sent to a lab to be checked.After the ProcedureYou and your baby will be watched for a time after the procedure. If fluid continues to leak, or if you have bleeding, severe cramping, or a fever, you should tell your health care provider.You may be told to avoid sex or not to exercise for a certain period of time.Your test results will come back in a week or two. If they show any problems, your health care provider will help you make a treatment plan.Things to RememberAn amniocentesis is a test that can help answer questions about your baby's health.Amniocentesis is usually done between the fifteenth and twentieth weeks of pregnancy.Before your amniocentesis, your health care provider will first do an ultrasound to check the baby's position and heart rate.What We Have LearnedAn amniocentesis is a test that can help answer questions that you and your health care provider might have about your baby's health. True or False? The answer is true. You might want an amniocentesis if your baby has a greater risk for certain medical problems.All pregnant women need to have an amniocentesis. True or False? The answer is false. An amniocentesis is not a required test. Other tests are available to give you information about your baby.
Online Medical Reviewer: Foster, Sara, RN, MPH
Date Last Reviewed: 03/31/2020
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