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Amniocentesis |
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Amniocentesis is a procedure during which a small amount (20-30 mL) of the amniotic fluid that bathes the fetus is drawn through the abdominal wall using a fine needle syringe. It is performed by your obstetrician/gynecologist around the 16th week of pregnancy. The main reasons for it are that the mother is older (over 35) or prenatal screening is desired to assess a similar or greater risk than the mother's age. Cells in the amniotic fluid may show chromosomal anomalies (e.g., trisomy 21) and, in some particular cases, reveal molecular and/or biochemical abnormalities (e.g., sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis). The procedure is performed under sterile conditions, guided by ultrasound. Pain is minimal and lasts only a few minutes. Some uterine cramps may occur afterwards and, rarely, there may be bleeding or a loss of amniotic fluid from the vagina. It is recommended that patients reduce their physical activities for approximately 24 hours. Test results are usually available within four weeks.
The risk of spontaneous abortion being caused by amniocentesis is approximately 0.5% (1/200). Prenatal diagnostic amniocentesis has its own specific indications, risks and limitations, and these should be discussed before the procedure.
Amniocentesis can also be performed later during the pregnancy to assess fetal pulmonary development before inducing labour or performing an elective cesarean section
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