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Amniocentesis
Your doctor may recommend you undergo this procedure if there are signs of trouble during your pregnancy,. During an amniocentesis, a hollow needle is inserted through your abdominal wall into the uterus. The needle takes a small amount of fluid, which is then tested for disorders such as Down syndrome, spina bifida, anencephaly (a condition in which the brain is incomplete or missing), and other rare metabolic disorders.
Later in the pregnancy, it can also determine whether the baby's lungs are mature enough for early delivery and rule out a uterine infection if your water has broken. Typically, doctors perform the procedure when a woman is between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant.
Some women may choose to avoid this procedure. There is a slight risk of miscarriage (about 1/1000 procedures) and a very slight risk of infection (about 0.1 percent). Ask your doctor or care giver if you have misgivings about it. There may be an alternative to amniocentesis. If your doctor is strongly recommending it, the benefit likely outweighs the risk.
What to Expect
If you do undergo the procedure, here is what you can expect:
- First, a non stress test is performed to assure that the fetus is OK.
- Second, an ultrasound is performed to locate the fetus.
- The skin of your abdomen is then scrubbed and topical anesthetic may be applied.
- A long, thin needle is inserted through the abdomen into the uterus.
- Roughly 1 cc-per-gestational-week of fluid is taken from the sac around the fetus.
- The status of the fetus is reassessed through a non stress test.
Is It Painful?
If your doctor uses an anesthetic, you will feel a sharp, stinging sensation for a few seconds. When the needle enters the amniotic sac, a sharper pain may last a few seconds. Some women feel pressure lower in their abdomen when the fluid is withdrawn. Afterward, you may have some cramping. If it persists or gains in intensity, contact your doctor.
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