Amniocentesis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is an amniocentesis?

• An amniocentesis (am-nee-oh-sen-TEE-sis) is a procedure done to take a sample of the fluid around your baby. This fluid is called amniotic (am-nee-OT-ik) fluid and is sent to the lab for tests. To get the fluid, your caregiver puts a needle through your skin and into your uterus (womb). The amniocentesis is also called an "amnio". The amnio is usually done between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. It may also be done later in your pregancy.
  
  
• An amnio may be done to look for genetic problems (problems a baby is born with). An amnio helps caregivers look for brain or spinal cord problems, or neural (NOOR-al) tube defects. A neural tube defect is a condition where the baby's spinal cord or skull does not completely close. An amnio may not detect all genetic and neural tube defects. An amnio may also show how much your baby's lungs have developed.

• If routine newborn screening has shown that your unborn child may have a genetic disease.
  
  
• If you already have a child with a birth defect, mental retardation, or an inherited disorder. An inherited disorder is one that runs in your family.
  
  
• If you are pregnant at age 35 or older.
  
  
• If you or your partner belong to an ethnic group that puts your baby at an increased risk of genetic defects. Ask your caregiver if this is a risk for your baby.
  
  
• If you or your partner have a history that puts your child at risk. This may include exposure to radiation, medicines, chemicals, infections (in-FEK-shuns), or drugs.
  
  
• If you and your partner are first cousins or other close blood relatives.

• The procedure may take 15 to 30 minutes. It may be done while you are a patient in the hospital. You may also come into the hospital to have it done, and then go home after. You will need to rest after the procedure, and avoid doing any heavy lifting and exercise for a period of time.
  
  
• After the amnio, you may feel a small amount of pain or cramping in your abdomen (belly). This may be normal as long as the pain or cramping goes away. If it does not, you will need to call your caregiver right away. Your baby may move around much more or much less than usual after the procedure. If this happens, you will need to call your caregiver. For a high temperature, or bloody or pink-colored liquid coming from your vagina, you will need to call for help right away.