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or treatment. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds and protects a baby during pregnancy.
This fluid contains fetal cells and various chemicals produced by the baby.
Amniocentesis can be done for various reasons:
With genetic amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid is tested for certain conditions
such as Down syndrome and spina bifida.
You had positive results from a prenatal screening test. If the results of a screening
test such as the first trimester screen or noninvasive prenatal testing are positive or
worrisome, you might opt for amniocentesis to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
You're 35 or older. Babies born to women 35 and older have a higher risk of
chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome.
You have a family history of a specific genetic condition, or you or your partner
is a known carrier of a genetic condition. In addition to identifying Down syndrome
and spina bifida, amniocentesis can be used to diagnose many other conditions such as
cystic fibrosis.
Maturity amniocentesis
Maturity amniocentesis can determine whether a baby's lungs are ready for birth. This type of
amniocentesis is done only if early delivery either through induction or C-section is
being considered to prevent pregnancy complications for the mother. It's usually done
between 32 and 39 weeks of pregnancy. Earlier than 32 weeks, a baby's lungs are unlikely to
be fully developed.
Other reasons for amniocentesis
Occasionally amniocentesis is used to:
Placental problems, including the placenta partially or totally covering the cervix
(placenta previa) or the placenta peeling away from the inner wall of the uterus before
delivery (placental abruption)
A history of premature labor before 34 weeks of pregnancy
An incompetent cervix a condition that occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or
contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy
Amniocentesis carries various risks, including:
Needle injury. During amniocentesis the baby might move an arm or leg into the path
of the needle. Serious needle injuries are rare.
Leaking amniotic fluid. Rarely, amniotic fluid leaks through the vagina after
amniocentesis. If the leak seals, the pregnancy is likely to proceed normally. It's possible,
however, for chronic leakage to lead to orthopedic problems for the baby.
Rh sensitization. Rarely, amniocentesis might cause the baby's blood cells to enter
the mother's bloodstream. If you have Rh negative blood, you'll be given a drug called Rh
immunoglobulin after amniocentesis to prevent you from producing antibodies against
your baby's blood cells.
Abdominal pain or uterine cramping that lasts more than a few hours
Fever