Any mom-to-be wants to make sure that everything with her baby is perfectly fine. One of the tests used before birth is amniocentesis (taking a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus).
Amniocentesis is usually performed in the period between the 16th and the 19th weeks of pregnancy. The main aim of the procedure is to determine whether the unborn child is having any genetic condition that could interfere with its health and wellbeing.
Sounds scary but the procedure features a high degree of safety. A special sterile needle is used. Ultrasound equipment is also utilized to monitor the position of the needle. The whole procedure lasts about eight minutes and the sample of amniotic fluid taken is in total 15 to 20 milliliters. No anesthesia is needed since the procedure is painless.
Amniocentesis can help determine if the unborn child is having Down’s syndrome, for example. Results are typically ready within four days. If a more complex examination of chromosome structure is desired, the results are ready within several weeks.
Do You Need Amniocentesis?
Your decision to have amniocentesis should be well-founded. The procedure is needed solely if the risk of genetic diseases is high.
Amniocentesis is advisable in case you are aged 36 or older. It will also be needed if medics have worries about fetus malformation, a previous birth of a child having a genetic disorder or family history of a specific condition connected to a genetic defect.
Before taking the decision, you should probably consult a genetic expert. You will get more information about common disorders and the factors that affect them. A qualified professional will also be capable of giving you advice concerning the need for having amniocentesis.
Risks to Consider
Though side effects and complications when it comes to having amniocentesis are rare, it is good to know that a number of conditions could stem from the test.
The chances of miscarriage increase. A miscarriage occurs once per 500 cases of amniocentesis.
A certain infection risk is also present, though very small – such problems occur once out of 1000 cases. Other dangers include bleeding or fetus injury, though the chances of these occurring are exceptionally low. Ultrasound control significantly diminishes the chance of any such problems occurring.
Further Information about Amniocentesis
Some parents may have worries that even if the amniocentesis gives normal results, the chance of having a baby with a genetic disorder is still there. The truth is that no test can be 100 percent accurate but the degree to which amniocentesis provides adequate results is 99.4 percent.
If you need to have an amniocentesis, it would be wisest to research possible options in advance. The chance of miscarriage decreases if you select an experienced professional to perform the procedure. In fact, amniocentesis complications can occur as the result of human error. Discuss the issue with other moms who have had amniocentesis and ask for their recommendation.
Amniocentesis is nothing to fear. The procedure is needed to help you get prepared for the birth of a child having any genetic malformation. No mom-to-be is obliged to have one. If you are about to have amniocentesis, remember to remain calm. Though certain risks exist, chances of something going wrong during the procedure are minimal.