Amniocentesis
What is amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a procedure whereby fluid is extracted from
the
amniotic sac. The amniotic sac is the fluid-filled structure
inside the
pregnant uterus within which the baby lives. Fetal cells,
proteins, and
fetal urine freely move within this sac.
During amniocentesis, fluid is removed by placing a long
needle through
the abdominal wall into this sac. Sometimes, the woman's skin
is injected
first with a local anesthetic, but this is not always necessary.
Occasionally, the amniocentesis needle is guided into the sac
with the
help of ultrasound imaging. Once the needle is in the sac, a
syringe is
used to withdraw the clear amber-colored amniotic fluid,
resembling urine.
The volume of fluid withdrawn depends upon the age of the fetus
and the
reason for the testing.
The fluid can then be sent for evaluation of fetal lung
maturity,
genetic evaluation, evidence of spina bifida (a birth defect in
spinal
cord development), the presence of infection, or chromosome
analysis.
Chromosomes are microscopic messengers that contain all of the
genetic
information in our cells. The amniotic fluid contains numerous
free-floating fetal cells that can be grown in a laboratory.
When these
cells multiply and reach a certain number, their chromosomes or
genes are
extracted and analyzed. It takes about two weeks to perform
chromosome
analysis. The fluid also contains proteins, minerals and other
compounds
that can be tested, and may take 1 to 7 days to perform. Data
obtained
from amniotic fluid can help women make informed decisions
regarding their
pregnancies and babies.
For most patients, amniocentesis is a fairly quick and
comfortable
procedure. Some women experience some uterine cramping or a
feeling of
faintness.
Next: Who is a candidate for amniocentesis? »
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