What does an amniocentesis test for?

What does an amniocentesis test for?

Amniocentesis is a test you may be offered during pregnancy to check if your baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition, such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome.

What is an amniocentesis and what is it done for?

Amniocentesis is a prenatal procedure that your doctor may recommend you have during pregnancy. The test checks for fetal abnormalities (birth defects) such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis or spina bifida. In most cases, the results are normal. Amniocentesis is performed between 16 and 20 weeks into the pregnancy.

What happens during an amniocentesis?

During amniocentesis, your provider uses a thin needle to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding your unborn baby. This fluid sample then gets tested in a laboratory. Amniocentesis can diagnose certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome).

What is the risk of amniocentesis?

There is a small risk that an amniocentesis could cause a miscarriage (less than 1%, or approximately 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 43,000). Injury to the baby or mother, infection, and preterm labor are other potential complications that can happen but are extremely rare. The risks are higher in women carrying twins.

Are you awake during amniocentesis?

Anaesthetic. Before the needle is inserted into your abdomen, the area may be numbed with anaesthetic. This involves having a small injection into your belly and may sting slightly. But anaesthetic is not usually necessary because research suggests it does not have much effect in most cases.

Does amniocentesis detect autism?

Cambridge researchers are pioneering a new test for autism in the womb, by measuring the levels of testosterone produced by the foetus, which makes its way into the amniotic fluid. They hope to test if children who later develop autism have unusually high levels of testosterone between 12 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

How bad does an amniocentesis hurt?

Is amniocentesis painful? Amniocentesis is not usually painful, but you may feel uncomfortable during the procedure. Some women describe experiencing a pain similar to period pain or feeling pressure when the needle is taken out.

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