Amniocentesis is one type of a test (Amniocentesis test) you may be offered during your pregnancy to check your baby’s generic or chromosomal condition. Like, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome and Down’s syndrome.
Amniocentesis is done to collect amniotic fluid and cells from the uterus for testing. this amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb and help to protect baby during pregnancy.
What is amniocentesis?
amniocentesis is a medical test in which some liquid is taken from a pregnant woman’s womb to find out if the baby has particular illnesses or health problems.
Amniocentesis when is it done
Amniocentesis can be offered for a some reasons:
Look, amniocentesis not offered to all pregnant ladies. its only offered when if there’s a higher chance your baby could have a genetic condition.
- Genetic amniocentesis involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid and testing the DNA from the cells for diagnosis of certain conditions, such as Down syndrome.
- an antenatal screening test has suggested your baby may be born with a condition, such as Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome and Down’s syndrome.
- If you had a previous pregnancy which was affected by any genetic problems.
- If you have family history of any genetic problems or condition like, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, cyst or fibroids.
Why it’s need
- If your delivery is planned before 38 weeks complete, amniotic fluid might be tested to help find out whether a baby’s lungs are mature enough for birth.
- Its done for diagnosis of fetal infection.
- In polyhydramnios conditions it might be done to drain amniotic fluid from the uterus if too much has built up.
It’s important to remember that you do not have to have amniocentesis if it’s offered. It’s up to you to decide whether you want it.
Doctor will speak to you about what the test involves and let you know what the possible benefits and risks are to help you make a decision.
Procedure of amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is usually done between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy.
It can be performed earlier if you have increase any risk or complications.
In a this test, a long and thin needle is inserted through your abdominal wall.
This needle is passed into the amniotic sac that surrounds your baby and a small sample of amniotic fluid is removed for analysis.
This test take hardly 10 minutes. amniocentesis is usually described as being uncomfortable rather than painful.
What are the amniocentesis risks?
Amniocentesis carries risks, which occur in approximately 1 in 900 tests. They include:
Leaking amniotic fluid – Rarely, amniotic fluid leaks through the vagina after amniocentesis. In most cases, the amount of fluid lost is small and stops within one week with no effect on the pregnancy.
Needle injury – During amniocentesis, the baby might move an arm or leg into the path of the needle. Serious needle injuries are rare.
Miscarriage – Second-trimester amniocentesis carries a slight risk of miscarriage — about 0.1% to 0.3% when done by a skilled person using ultrasound. Research suggests that the risk of pregnancy loss is higher for amniocentesis done before 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Infection – Very rarely, amniocentesis might trigger a uterine infection.
Infection transmission – Someone who has an infection — such as hepatitis C, toxoplasmosis or HIV/AIDS — might transfer it to the baby during amniocentesis.
This is estimated to occur in up to 1 out of every 200 women who have amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis test cost
It is depending on the doctors, technician and all the lab machines used, the price for the test can vary. Approximately the minimal range starts from Rs. 5000, whereas the maximal range can be till Rs. 15,000.
Is amniocentesis 100% accurate?
Amniocentesis can be very accurate and close to 100%, but only some disorders can be detected.
The rate of miscarriage with this test is between 1 in 300 and 1 in 500. It also carries a low risk of uterine infection, which can also cause miscarriage, leakage of amniotic fluid, and injury to the fetus.
What are the alternatives of this test?
An alternative to amniocentesis is a test called chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
This is where a small sample of cells from the placenta, the organ that links the mother’s blood supply with her baby’s, is removed for testing. It is usually carried out between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy.
What happen After the procedure?
After amniocentesis, your health care provider will continue using the ultrasound to monitor your baby’s heart rate. You might have cramping or mild pelvic pain after an amniocentesis.
The sample of amniotic fluid will be looked at in a lab. Some results might be available within a few days. Other results might take several weeks.
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