Amniocentesis Center - Great Falls, MT
Great Falls Obstetrician-Gynecologist Doctors for AmniocentesisType of Physician: Obstetrician-Gynecologist What is a Obstetrician-Gynecologist? A certification by the Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology; practitioners provide medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders, to the extent that it distinguishes them from other physicians. This training enables them to serve as consultants to other physicians and as primary physicians for women. Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology Common Name: Ob/Gyn or Ob-Gyn Obstetrician-Gynecologist Doctors in Great Falls * Great Falls OB/GYN  Great Falls OB/GYN  Great Falls OB/GYN  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  The Midwest Center for Reproductive Health PA  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Womens Healthcare Center  Womens Healthcare Center  Womens Healthcare Center  Helena Ob/Gyn Associates  Helena Ob/Gyn Associates Great Falls, MontanaUpcoming Local EventsNo Upcoming Events AmniocentesisRead the Amniocentesis article » What is amniocentesis?Amniocentesis is a procedure whereby a sample of fluid is removed from the amniotic sac for analysis. The amniotic sac is in the uterine cavity. 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 amniotic sac. Sometimes, the woman's skin is injected first with a local anesthetic, but this is not usually necessary. The amniocentesis needle is typically guided into the sac with the help of ultrasound imaging performed either prior to or during the procedure. 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 The volume of fluid withdrawn depends upon the age of the fetus and the reason for the testing.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) or other neural-tube defects, the presence of infection, or chromosome analysis. Chromosomes are structures 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 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 these studies 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. Who is a candidate for amniocentesis?...Recommended Reading Related to AmniocentesisIntroductionWhile the patient's history and physical examination are the building blocks of making a medical diagnosis, the ability to peer inside the body can be a powerful tool. Ultrasound is an imaging technique that provides that ability to medical practitioners. What is an ultrasound?Ultrasound produces sound waves that are beamed into the body causing return echoes that are recorded to "visualize" structures beneath the skin. The ability to measure different echoes reflected from a variety of tissues allows a shadow picture to be constructed. The technology is especially accurate at seeing the interface between solid and fluid filled spaces. These are actually the same principles that allow SONAR on boats to see the bottom of the ocean. What is ultrasonography?Ultrasonography is body imaging using ultrasound in medical diagnosis. A skilled ultrasound technician is able to... Other Related Amniocentesis ArticlesEmergency Contact for Great Falls
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Pregnancy (Stages - Trimesters of Pregnancy)
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
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Miscarriage
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Down Syndrome
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Cystic Fibrosis
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Infertility
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Fragile X Syndrome
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Turner Syndrome
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Achondroplasia
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Klinefelter Syndrome
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Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip
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Spina Bifida and Anencephaly (Neural Tube Defects)
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Alpha Thalassemia
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Birth Control (Types and Options)
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Hemophilia
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Pregnancy Planning
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Gestational Diabetes
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Trisomy 18
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Genetic Counseling
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Pregnancy Basics
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Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC)
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Urine Blockage in Newborns
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Pregnancy (Stages - Trimesters of Pregnancy)
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Medications
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