Amniocentesis is the most common type of diagnostic prenatal testing. In this intervention, amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus.
We test the amniotic fluid determine several facts:
- correct gender of the child
- genetic testing
- lung development
- analysis of various infections
- DNA paternity testing
Amniocentesis provides a complete genetic picture of the fetus. Amniocentesis is most often performed between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy.
To collect the sample of the amniotic doctor will perform a single puncture of the needle through the abdominal wall.
With amniocentesis we can analyze the complete karyotype of the fetus. Also it is possible to see any chromosome changes.
The result are gathered within 10-12 days. The risk of miscarriage is up to 1%, and the failure of the method is less than 1%. Failed test occurs due to the inability to isolate a sufficient amount of baby cells for analysis.
If a screening prenatal test has detected chromosomal changes, there is a high probability that your doctor will request an additional amniocentesis.
Other cases when doctors recommend this procedure are: if the pregnant woman is over 35 years old, if there is a family history of certain genetic conditions, if the ultrasound examination showed some abnormalities, or if the pregnant woman had confirmed chromosomal anomalies in a previous pregnancy.
Contact
For all information about amniocentesis and other interventions during pregnancy, contact us on our phone numbers on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or write us an email.
