Insta-Blog: Understanding Amniocentesis, Amniotic Fluid, Your Fetus, and Placenta

What is Amniocentesis?

A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from around the fetus (baby inside the uterus) for testing.

When is Amniocentesis Done?

This test is usually done around 16 weeks of pregnancy. Not every Pregnant woman needs amniocentesis. 

What is Amniotic Fluid and What Is Its Role in the Fetus and Placenta?

Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the fetus (developing baby) inside the uterus. It contains cells and chemicals that can give information about the health of the fetus and placenta.

What is the Amniocentesis Procedure Used to Detect?

The amniocentesis procedure is most commonly used for:

• Checking for Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis if a different test suggests that there might be a genetic problem. 
• Check for infection in the fetus.

Amniocentesis procedure is less commonly used for:

• Diagnosing neural tube defects, identifying the blood type of the fetus, or assessing how mature the baby’s lungs are.

Who Will Tell Me If I Need an Amniocentesis?

Before Amniocentesis, your doctor or nurse will talk to you about this procedure if you have an indication. You will also talk to a genetic counselor who will explain more details about amniocentesis and how the results will be interpreted afterward. 

What is an Amniocentesis procedure?

• An ultrasound will be performed by a doctor or a technician, called a sonographer. With the ultrasound, they can see the fetus, placenta, uterus, and amniotic fluid.
• The abdomen will be cleaned, and the doctor will insert a needle through the abdomen and use the ultrasound image to guide the needle safely into a pocket of amniotic fluid. Less than 1 ounce of fluid will be removed. 
• In rare occasions, the needle may have to be inserted more than once to get enough fluid. For example, in the case of twins.
• The amniotic fluid is then sent to the lab for testing. If there are not enough cells, this procedure may have to be repeated.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

The needle stick is mildly uncomfortable or cramps. Your doctor may advise you to take medicine prior to the stick to reduce discomfort.

What are the Serious Complications of Amniocentesis?

• Although rare, complications include Leakage of amniotic fluid, injury to the fetus, infection, and miscarriage. Please talk to your doctor about these risks. 
• Leakage of amniotic fluid from the vagina can sometimes happen after the amniocentesis procedure. However, it stops on its own after the procedure in most cases. If the leakage is ongoing, your doctor will monitor you closely. In rare cases, there is an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm delivery.
• There may be a very small risk of problems developing in the fetus due to amniocentesis. These may include hip dislocation, lung problems, or club foot.
• If you have a chronic infection, such as HIV or hepatitis, there is a chance that the fetus could become infected as a result of amniocentesis. Please tell your doctor about this.
• Amniocentesis comes with a very small risk of miscarriage (less than 3 in 1,000 risk)

What Happens After Amniocentesis?

Common symptoms immediately after the procedure could be: mild cramping, a small amount of vaginal bleeding, or a small amount of amniotic fluid leaking from the vagina, which should all resolve quickly

Why Does My Doctor Want to Give Me Rh(D) Immunoglobulin (RhoGam) Shot?

People who have Rh (A, B, AB, or O) negative blood type are usually given a shot called Rh(D) immune globulin (RhoGam) after amniocentesis. This shot helps protect future pregnancies against problems that can develop if a person who is Rh negative is pregnant with a fetus who is Rh positive. 

When Should I Contact My Doctor?

• Severe cramping lasting for several hours
• Fever with a temperature higher than 100.4oF (38oC)
• Continued fluid leaking or bleeding from the vagina

When Can I Exercise or Resume Sex After Amniocentesis?

Unless told by your provider specifically, it is not necessary to avoid exercise or sexual activity.

When Will I Receive the Test Results?

Normally between 7-14 days. However, your healthcare provider will be able to tell you the exact timeline. 

Alternatives to Amniocentesis?

• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
• Advantage: can be done earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis (around 10-13 weeks of pregnancy)
• Risks: The risk of miscarriage is similar to amniocentesis