Amniocentesis is a test that can be done during pregnancy, usually from the second trimester of pregnancy, and aims to identify genetic changes in the baby or complications that may occur as a result of infection of the woman during pregnancy, such as in the case of toxoplasmosis, for example.
In this test, a small amount of amniotic fluid is collected, which is a fluid that surrounds and protects the baby during pregnancy and contains cells and substances released during development. Although it is an important test to identify genetic and congenital changes, amniocentesis is not a mandatory test during pregnancy, it is only indicated when pregnancy is considered at risk or when changes are suspected in the baby.
- Amniocentesis is recommended from the second trimester of gestation.
- Which corresponds to the period between week 13 and 27 gestation and is usually performed between week 15 and 18 gestation.
- Before the second trimester.
- The risks are higher for the baby and increase the risk of miscarriage.
This test is performed when, after the evaluation and conduct of the tests normally requested by the obstetrician, changes are identified that could pose a risk to the baby. For example, to check if your baby’s development progresses as planned or if there are signs of genetic or congenital changes, your doctor may order amniocentesis. The main indications of the review are:
In addition, amniocentesis may be indicated to check the functioning of the baby’s lungs and thus perform paternity tests even during pregnancy or to treat women who accumulate a lot of amniotic fluid during pregnancy, and so amniocentesis aims to remove excess fluid.
The results of amniocentesis may take up to 2 weeks to be published, but the time between review and publication of the report may vary depending on the purpose of the review.
Before amniocentesis, the obstetrician performs an ultrasound to check the position of the baby and the amniotic fluid bag, reducing the risk of injury to the baby. After identification, an anesthetic ointment is placed where the amniotic fluid will be collected.
Your doctor then inserts the needle through the skin of your abdomen and removes a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains your baby’s cells, antibodies, substances, and microorganisms that help perform the tests needed to determine your baby’s health.
The test lasts only a few minutes and during the procedure, your doctor listens to your baby’s heart and performs an ultrasound to evaluate the woman’s uterus and make sure there is no harm to the baby.
Risks and complications of amniocentesis are rare, but they can occur when the test is done during the first trimester of pregnancy, with an increased risk of miscarriage. However, when amniocentesis is performed in reliable clinics and qualified professionals, the risk of the test is very low. Risks and complications that may be related to amniocentesis include:
Because of these risks, the test should always be discussed with the obstetrician. Although there is other evidence to evaluate the same type of problems, they generally have an increased risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis. See what tests are shown during pregnancy.