Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
Amniocentesis is a test during pregnancy that removes a small amount of fluid from the sac around the baby to look for birth defects and chromosome problems.
Alternative Names
Culture - amniotic fluid; Culture - amniotic cells
How the test is performed
Amniocentesis is done on an outpatient basis. You do not need to stay in the hospital.
The doctor will find the exact location of the baby, usually by performing a
The health care provider will clean an area of skin on the mother's belly area. A numbing medication (anesthetic) may be applied to the skin, or a local anesthetic may be injected into the skin.
The doctor inserts a long, thin needle through the abdomen and into the womb (uterus). A small amount of fluid is taken from the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the baby.
How to prepare for the test
Your bladder must be full for the ultrasound. There are no food or drink restrictions.
You may need to provide a blood sample to determine your
You will need to sign a consent form before the test.
How the test will feel
If an anesthetic is used, you may feel a sharp, stinging sensation for a few seconds. When the needle enters the amniotic sac, you may feel a sharp pain lasting a few seconds.
Some women feel pressure in the lower abdomen when the fluid is pulled out. After the procedure, you may have some minor cramping.
Why the test is performed
The test can find chromosome problems such as:
Anencephaly - Down syndrome
- Rare, inherited metabolic disorders
-
Spina bifida and other structure problems
Later on in a pregnancy, the test may be used to find problems such as:
- Infection
Rh incompatibility
This test is also sometimes done later in pregnancy to determine whether the baby's lungs are developed if there is a condition that requires early delivery.
Review Date: 09/02/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound,
Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
