Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis removes a small amount of fluid from the sac around the baby in the womb (uterus). It is most often done in a doctor's office or medical center. You do not need to stay in the hospital. You will have a pregnancy ultrasound first. This helps your health care provider see where the baby is in your womb.…

Your bladder may need to be full for the ultrasound. Check with your provider about this. Before the test, blood may be taken to find out your blood type and Rh factor. You may get a shot of medicine called Rho(D) Immune Globulin (RhoGAM and other brands) if you are Rh negative.

Amniocentesis is usually offered to women who are at increased risk of having a child with birth defects. This includes women who: Will be 35 or older when they give birth Had a screening test that shows there may be a birth defect or other problem Have had babies with birth defects in other pregnancies Have a family…

A normal result means: No genetic or chromosome problems found in your baby. Bilirubin and alpha-fetoprotein levels appear normal. No signs of infection found. Note: Amniocentesis typically is the most accurate test for genetic conditions and malformation, although rare, a baby may still have genetic or other types of…

An abnormal result may mean your baby has: A gene or chromosome problem, such as Down syndrome or trisomy 18 Birth defects that involve the spine or brain, such as spina bifida Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. Ask your provider: How the condition or defect may be treated during or…

Risks are minimal, but may include: Infection or injury to the baby Miscarriage Leaking of amniotic fluid Vaginal bleeding

Driscoll DA, Simpson JL. Genetic screening and diagnosis. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 10. Dugoff L, Wapner RJ. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital disorders. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et…