Amniocentesis

Currently, most women prefer the assurance that their pregnancy will bring into fruition a healthy baby. Most undergo a battery of tests and medical procedures to try to find and solve any problems that can arise in their pregnancies.

Amniocentesis is one such test and is used to detect possible chromosome abnormalities in the unborn child. These chromosome disabilities may be a sign of possible Down's syndrome or other congenital problems.

In Amniocentesis, a fine needle is inserted through the mother's abdomen and into the fluid surrounding the fetus. About 20ml of the amniotic fluid is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Amniocentesis need not take more than five to 10 minutes and the mother will feel only slight discomfort and the fetus will be unaware.

When do you need Amniocentesis?

As stated above, amniocentesis is usually used to determine a pregnancy that may be at risk of chromosome abnormalities. It is usually performed from the 15th week of the pregnancy. It is used to figure out the risks in such a pregnancy.

• By combining amniocentesis results with the mother's age, it is possible to calculate the risk of the child having Down's syndrome.A woman is considered at high risk because she has previously had a pregnancy affected by a chromosomal or genetic disorder.
• A pregnancy is considered at risk if an ultrasound examination has detected features or abnormalities indicating an increased risk of a chromosome abnormality.
• A woman requests it because she is concerned that her baby may have a chromosome abnormality.

Amniocentesis is occasionally required in the investigation and management of other conditions in pregnancy such as rhesus diseases.

What are the Risks in Amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is not risk-free and carries a slight risk of causing a miscarriage. Between 1 in every 100 and 1 in every 200 amniocentesis, procedures will cause a miscarriage, usually within three weeks of the procedure. More experienced doctors experience a lower miscarriage rate among their patients, and it is an excellent idea to ask a doctor about his or her personal experience with complications and miscarriages.

Amniocentesis may cause an infection, by introducing bacteria through the needle site into the amniotic sac. This is quite rare, but it can cause pain and cramping, or harm the baby.

Another of the risks of amniocentesis is trauma to the baby, which may result in physical deformities. The use of ultrasound greatly reduces this risk, as does working with a competent doctor.

Amniocentesis can also cause the leaking of amniotic fluid. Although a small amount of leaking is normal, it should be carefully monitored to ensure that fluid levels do not drop dangerously low.

Rh incompatibility is one of lesser-known risks in amniocentesis procedures. This a conflict in blood type between the fetus and the mother, causing the mother's immune system to attack the fetus as a foreign body. If amniocentesis results in the exchange of blood, as may occur, when the placenta is accidentally pricked, it can trigger an Rh response on the part of the mother.

Before deciding upon screening and diagnostic tests, the mother should discuss any concerns that she may have with her obstetrician. Having information about the baby's chromosomes has to be balanced against the small but real risk of losing the pregnancy.

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