AMNIOCENTESIS

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which the doctor uses a needle to remove fluid from the amniotic sac, which is the thin sac filled with fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus. When done to test for certain genetic problems, it is done early in pregnancy.  Amniocentesis is sometimes done in late pregnancy to test the maturity of the baby's lungs. You may be advised to have an amnio done in the following cases: if you are over 35, if repeated tests of the alpha fetoprotein in your blood show a level that is too high or too low for your pregnancy age (as confirmed by ultrasound), if you have given birth to a child with Down Syndrome or other genetic disorders, if you are known to have the gene for a disorder that can be passed on to the baby, if you have a child with a defect in the spinal cord or brain, if either you or your husband has a strong family history of a genetic problem, or if you have had 3 or more miscarriages.

PROCEDURE

The baby's heart rate is monitored before and after the procedure.  Your abdomen is cleaned and the skin is usually numbed.  Ultrasound is used to guide the needle through your abdomen and uterus to the area where the most fluid is and away from the baby.  You may feel some discomfort when the needle is inserted.  A small amount of fluid is withdrawn to be sent to the lab for analysis.

BENEFITS

Helps detect any genetic problems in the fetus, such as Down Syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities, can detect development disorders such as spina bifida, can detect infection in the amniotic fluid, and can check the maturity of the baby's lungs.