Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a method of obtaining a sample of the amniotic fluid (liquor) which contains cells from the baby and is usually done for analysis of the baby’s chromosomes. Amniocentesis is performed after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

The test is done in the ultrasound room and after a full explanation of the test, the skin of the mother’s abdomen is cleaned with antiseptic fluid, a fine needle is passed through the mother’s abdomen into the amniotic fluid and a tiny sample of this is drawn up into a syringe. The baby is left with plenty of amniotic fluid and the small amount taken is rapidly made up again. The entire procedure is done with continuous ultrasound scanning and lasts only a few minutes. Afterwards, the mother can continue with her normal activity. There is no need for bed rest.

The risk of miscarriage due to the amniocentesis is 0.5 – 1% and if this is going to occur, it is likely to happen in the week following the procedure. Some mothers experience some period like pains or slight vaginal bleeding for 24-48 hours after the procedure but this is not a sign that the pregnancy will miscarry and paracetamol can be taken in normal doses. The results of the amniocentesis are usually available in 2-3 days and the best method of informing the mother of the result is arranged at the time of the amniocentesis.