Amniocentesis is one of the most important tests during pregnancy that may be recommended by your healthcare provider to check the genetic condition as well as congenital disorders of the baby in the womb. This test is crucial to diagnose the condition of the fetus. This blog article sheds light on the purpose and procedure of the amniocentesis test, also including a brief discussion about the potential risk factors associated with the test.
What is Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that involves extracting amniotic fluid and cells from the uterus for testing. The amount of the fluid is collected not more than 1 ounce.
Amniotic fluid surrounds and protects your baby in the womb. This fluid contains cells from your baby, and it is tested to detect genetic abnormalities, Down syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, and to check the condition of the lungs. This test is usually recommended between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, it is done during the third trimester.
Why is the Amniocentesis test recommended?
Your health care provider can recommend having an amniocentesis test in the following situations:
- A sign of a congenital condition is detected through an ultrasound
- A prenatal screening test shows a risk for a chromosome disorder
- If you have a previous pregnancy that was affected by a genetic condition
- Your family history involves several genetic conditions such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and muscular dystrophy.
Though the test is completely optional and you can decide to have the test after being informed about the benefits and risks of amniocentesis.
What is the purpose of the Amniocentesis test?
Amniocentesis is suggested for several reasons, such as:
- Genetic testing
Genetic amniocentesis is performed by taking a sample of amniotic fluid to test the DNA of the cells to diagnose certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome.
- Detect fetal infection
Early detection of any kind of infection and some other serious illness is important for the baby’s well-being. Amniocentesis allows for the diagnosis of such health issues.
- Fetal lung development
The amniotic fluid is checked to ensure the development of the baby’s lungs if the delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks.
- Treatment
The amniocentesis test is done in some cases to drain the excess amniotic fluid if it has built up too much; such a condition is called polyhydramnios.
Amniocentesis test results
The time to get the test result depends on the purpose for which the test is performed. It may take several days to provide the test report, and in some cases, it may take two weeks or longer. A genetic counselor or a health care provider will explain to you the result of the amniocentesis test.
Is Amniocentesis risk-free?
An amniocentesis test is generally a safe procedure but there is minimal risk. Some complications may occur after this prenatal test, most notably miscarriage. Though the risk of miscarriage is less than 1%. Cramping, infection and some injury may happen after this test.
What are the risk factors associated with Amniocentesis?
An amniocentesis test involves several potential risks for the health of mother and the unborn baby in the womb. Here, the risk factors are discussed briefly,
- Leakage of amniotic fluid
After the amniocentesis test in some cases the amniotic fluid leaks through the vagina. Usually, the amniotic fluid is lost in small amounts and stops within one week without affecting pregnancy.
- Miscarriage
During the second trimester amniocentesis there is a slight risk of miscarriage. When the ultrasound is performed by a skilled person the risk is about 0.1% to 0.3%. It is recommended that the amniocentesis test is too risky if it is done before the 15 weeks of pregnancy.
- Injury by needle
During the amniocentesis test the baby’s legs or hands can be harmed by the needle though the serious injuries are rare.
- Premature labour
Amniocentesis carries a low risk of preterm labour. When the needle is inserted in the amniotic sac to collect the sample of amniotic fluid it can trigger early labour. Though the risk is less than 1%.
- Infection
A uterine infection may be caused by Amniocentesis in some rare cases.
- Infection transmission
Someone having an infection such as Hepatitis C, Toxoplasmosis or HIV may transfer the disease to the baby during this prenatal test.
- Rh sensitization
Very rarely the blood cell of a baby enters into the mother’s bloodstream. A patient with Rh negative blood who have not developed antibodies to Rh positive blood are usually given an injection of a blood product, Rh immune globulin after the Amniocentesis test. This injection helps to prevent the body from producing antibodies that can cross the placenta and harm the red blood cell of the baby.
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Conclusion
Amniocentesis is an advanced prenatal test that is suggested to diagnose fetal infection, monitor the lung development of the unborn baby and genetic abnormalities. Here, we discuss the entire procedure, reasons and the potential complication of this test. By the help of Amniocentesis, early detection of complications and ensuring the condition of the fetus during pregnancy can be possible and this test is a significant sign of medical advancement.