Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is one of the prenatal tests that can provide important information about your baby’s health. But it is important to think seriously before deciding to have such a difficult test. Here is what you need to know if you have decided to have an amniocentesis.

What is Amniocentesis

It is a test performed during pregnancy that can detect genetic problems in your baby or your baby’s lung development. Your doctor inserts a fine needle into your uterus and takes a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds and protects your baby. This fluid contains your baby’s cells and the different chemicals they produce. By examining the genetic structure and chromosomes of these cells and the chemical structure of the amniotic fluid, many anomalies, especially Down syndrome, can be detected. It will also tell you whether your baby’s lungs are sufficiently developed for it to be born.

Who Needs Amniocentesis

Genetic amniocentesis is especially recommended in pregnant women over the age of 35 and in pregnant women with a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities in their baby. Other situations can be listed as follows;

Chromosomal anomaly or neural tube defect in a previous pregnancy

Abnormal results in tests performed during pregnancy

Family history of central nervous system disorders, Down syndrome or other genetic disorders

Maturity amniocentesis, which is performed to determine whether your baby’s lungs are fully developed for birth, is performed when the mother needs to deliver the baby early.

When is Amniocentesis Performed

Genetic amniocentesis is usually performed after the 15th week of pregnancy. At this time, the baby’s membranes are already well developed and a sample of the amniotic fluid can be taken safely. Maturity amniocentesis is usually performed after the 36th week of pregnancy.

What to do during amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a procedure that can be done in an office. Your doctor will use ultrasound to precisely locate your baby in the uterus. After your abdomen has been cleaned with an antiseptic, a thin needle will be inserted into your uterus under ultrasound guidance. The needle will be withdrawn after about 2-4 teaspoons of amniotic fluid has been drawn with the syringe. Your baby will replace this amount in a short time.

You will feel the needle going through your skin. Most women also feel mild cramping until the needle goes into the uterus.

When will the test result be known?

The amniotic fluid is analyzed in the laboratory. Some results for genetic analysis are available within a few days. Usually, however, the results of the tests take about two weeks. The result of a maturity amniocentesis takes a few hours.

What Amniocentesis Can Reveal

Genetic amniocentesis can detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and some genetic problems. Diseases such as sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and cystic fibrosis can also be diagnosed. Less frequently, amniocentesis can also be performed for uterine inflammation and Rh incompatibility.

A maturity amniocentesis, which looks at the substances produced by your baby’s lungs, shows whether your baby is ready to breathe.

What is the Accuracy of Results

Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome are fully understood. However, not all congenital disorders, heart disease, clubfoot, cleft lip and cleft palate can be detected.

Maturity amniocentesis detects the maturation of the lungs with less than 1% false positives.

What are the Risks

Amniocentesis carries some risks. These are

Miscarriage There is a possibility of miscarriage due to rupture of the amniotic sac, but it is very small. The risk of miscarriage is highest in the early stages of pregnancy, when the membranes of the baby are not fully closed. Later on, this risk decreases. Indeed, a 2006 study found no difference in miscarriage between pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis in the second trimester and those who did not. In amniocentesis performed in late pregnancy for the lung development of the baby, the rupture of the sac is not very important. Because safe delivery is already approaching at this time.

Rh Mismatch. . If your blood is Rh-negative and your baby’s blood is Rh-positive, the baby’s blood cells rarely mix with the mother’s bloodstream during amniocentesis, and a drug called Rh immunoglobulin must be given after amniocentesis.

Injector Injury During amniocentesis, your baby can move its arm or leg and get in the way of the needle. However, serious injuries are extremely rare.

Other Problems. Cramping after amniocentesis is possible. 3% of women may experience mild vaginal bleeding. 1% of women may develop leakage of amniotic fluid from the vagina, which can cause orthopedic problems in the baby. It is very rare to develop an infection, but you should inform your doctor immediately if you develop a fever after amniocentesis.

The result of genetic amniocentesis is an important result that will affect the continuation of your pregnancy. Although your doctor will help you, it is you and your partner who will make the real decision.

What happens after genetic amniocentesis

The result of the amniocentesis will usually be normal, to your relief. However, if your baby has an incurable chromosomal abnormality or genetic disorder, you will have a difficult decision to make. Your doctor, partner and loved ones will help you to make the difficult decision to terminate your pregnancy.

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