Why is this procedure done?
A baby lives insides the mothers womb before it is born. The baby is surrounded by a special fluid called amniotic fluid. This fluid acts as a cushion for the baby. The baby also breathes and swallows this fluid while inside of the mother. Sometimes, the doctor needs to get a small amount of this fluid for testing. This is called an amniocentesis. It can be done after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The timing will depend on why the test is being done. ‚
The doctor may want to check the amniotic fluid to find out if the baby: ‚
- Has a genetic problem or other serious condition
- Will be able to breathe on its own after being born
- Has a particular blood type
- Has an infection
What will the results be?
This procedure will tell your doctor if your baby has genetic problems. This may also help your doctor plan for any problems when you give birth. Together you can make a plan for more care before the baby is born. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to drink extra fluids before the procedure. Your doctor may tell you to drink three 8 ounce glasses of water 1 hour before the procedure. Try not to pee before the exam.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be awake during the procedure. Once in the exam room, the staff will ask you to change into a hospital gown.
- Your doctor will tell you to lie on an exam bed with your belly exposed. Your doctor may inject a numbing drug in your belly. You may feel some pain while this happens. The drug will help you stay pain-free during the procedure.
- Your doctor will clean your belly using an antiseptic. The doctor will put a long, thin needle through your belly and into your amniotic fluid. Sometimes, an ultrasound is used to guide the needle. A small amount of fluid is taken and the needle is gently removed.
- You may need to have this procedure done again, especially if you are carrying more than one baby.
- The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will stay in the Recovery Room for up to 2 hours after the procedure. Your babys heartbeat will be watched. You may go home when you have fully recovered or when the doctor tells you.
- Your doctor will send the collected amniotic fluid to a lab for testing. The doctor will set an office visit to talk about the results with you.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You need to rest after the procedure. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Ask your doctor about when you may return to your normal activities like work, driving, and sex.
- You may feel some cramping and mild contractions. Your doctor will talk to you about this.
- You may have some vaginal bleeding after amniocentesis. You may use a panty liner or sanitary napkin but not tampons.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- Your doctor may have you see a genetic specialist.
What problems could happen?
- Miscarriage
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Some of the babys blood may go into the mother's blood. This is fetomaternal transfusion.
- Infection
- Amniotic fluid leakage
- Injury to the baby
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection on the amniocentesis site. These include redness, bleeding, yellowish or greenish discharge, and pain.
- Very bad vaginal bleeding
- Very bad belly pain
- Upset stomach and throwing up
Where can I learn more?
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/amniocentesis.html ‚
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ‚
http://www.rcog.org.uk/womens-health/clinical-guidance/chorionic-villus-sampling-cvs-what-you-need-know ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚