Amniocentesis

The developing fetus is surrounded by a fluid called amniotic fluid. This amniotic fluid is drawn and is used for testing called an amniocentesis test. It is used for confirming the presence of absence of chromosomal abnormalities. The amniocentesis test is not a screening test and therefore is done only in pregnancies where it is indicated / required to do so.

Amniocentesis
FAQs

  • Prenatal diagnostic testing involves testing the fetus before birth (prenatally) to determine whether the fetus has certain abnormalities, including certain hereditary or spontaneous genetic disorders.

    • Measurement of certain analytes in the pregnant woman’s blood plus ultrasonography can help estimate the risk of genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
    • These blood tests and ultrasonography may be done as part of routine care during pregnancy.
    • If results of these tests suggest an increased risk, doctors may do tests to analyze the genetic material of the fetus, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.
    • Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are invasive and have very low risks for the fetus

  • A screening test from an ultrasound Scan or blood test may come out as positive for chromosomal abnormalities / structural defects. For such screen positive pregnancies, a confirmatory test is required. Amniocentesis is one such confirmatory test as it contains fetal calls that can give a clear indication for the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. Defects such as sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy are best detected by amniocentesis.

  • Amniocentesis is usually carried out between the 16th to 20th weeks of pregnancy, but you can have it later if necessary.

  • During the test, a long, thin needle is inserted through your abdominal wall, guided by an ultrasound image. The needle is passed into the amniotic sac that surrounds your baby and a small sample of amniotic fluid is removed for analysis. Amniocentesis is usually described as being uncomfortable rather than painful.

  • Our experts will provide a detailed explanation of the procedure, and feel free to ask any questions you may have. Before the amniocentesis, you'll be required to sign a consent form, granting permission for the procedure. Take the time to read the form thoroughly, and don't hesitate to seek clarification if anything is unclear. Typically, there are no specific dietary or activity restrictions before undergoing an amniocentesis. Inform our experts if you have sensitivities or allergies to medications, latex, tape, or anesthesia. Disclose all medications you are currently taking, whether prescription or over-the-counter, as well as herbs, vitamins, and supplements. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or any drugs affecting blood clotting, our experts may instruct you to discontinue these before the procedure. Ensure our experts is aware of your blood type, especially if it's Rh negative. Mixing of your blood cells with those of the fetus during the amniocentesis could lead to Rh sensitization and breakdown of fetal red blood cells, especially if you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, you may or may not be asked to empty your bladder just before the procedure. In early pregnancy, a full bladder aids in positioning the uterus for the procedure, while in later pregnancy, an empty bladder reduces the risk of puncture with the amniocentesis needle.

  • MediScan is a centre of excellence in Fetal Medicine and has a team of experts with over four decades of experience. MediScan’s well trained and caring fetal medicine experts will perform the Scan, ensuring high quality and comfort. They not only perform the Scan but also explain the findings of the Scan very clearly to the patient. They also counsel the patients and guide them in case any abnormal finding is picked up during the Scan.

  • The test itself usually takes about 10 minutes, although the whole consultation may take about 30 minutes.

  • The Amniocentesis is a safe procedure. There is less than 1% chance of a complication that can arise due to this procedure.

  • MediScan is an acknowledged centre of excellence in Asia for fetal medicine. They have helped improve standard of care for pregnancies and have pioneered new assessment metrics and tools to determine the normalcy, safety and viability of the pregnancy. This therefore results in accuracy and reliability of its screening and diagnostic services.

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