Amniocentesis Test during Pregnancy

Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used to test a sample of the amniotic fluid for any birth defects in the foetus. Read on to know how and why it is performed and when it is advised to pregnant women. During pregnancy, the baby lies within the amniotic sac in the uterus. The amniotic sac is a sealed bag filled with amniotic fluid which contains live cells shed from the baby’ skin. Because each skin cell comprises an entire set of the foetus’ DNA, the amniotic fluid can help one glean important information regarding the health of the baby and any potential disorders even before birth. In this article What is Amniocentesis Test? How is Amniocentesis performed? Why is Amniocentesis done? Risks of getting amniocentesis done Precautions after amniocentesis test What is Amniocentesis Test? The Amniocentesis Test is a medical procedure done during pregnancy where a fine needle is inserted into the abdominal wall to take out a sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus. Amniocentesis measures the amount of foetal protein both in the mothers blood as well as in the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Depending on genetic risks and indications, a number of other tests may be performed on that sample of amniotic fluid. How is Amniocentesis performed? If amniocentesis is done within 20 weeks of pregnancy, you will be advised to prepare for it by drinking plenty of fluids before the test as your bladder needs to be full during the procedure. But if the test is done after 20 weeks of pregnancy, your bladder needs to be empty during amniocentesis test. Before your amniocentesis is performed, an ultrasound scan will be done to see the position of your baby and where the amniotic fluid should be removed from. The ultrasound will continue during the amniocentesis procedure as well in order to provide visbility while inserting the needle into the amniotic sac. Using a syringe, a small sample of the amniotic fluid will be extracted and sent to a laboratory for testing. While the test isn’t inordinately painful, you may feel a sting during the needle insertion and a bit of pressure when the needle is removed. The whole procedure usually takes about ten minutes following which you may experience spotting or pain similar to menstrual cramps for a few hours. Why is Amniocentesis done? To check for abnormalities in chromosomes (the part of cells that contain genetic information) which can cause disorders such as Down’s Syndrome, Sickle-Cell Disease, Edward’s Syndrome, etc. To check if the lungs of the baby are well-developed to withstand the birth and delivery process To evaluate if the baby has any infection To ascertain if the foetus is suffering from birth defects such as Neural Tube Defect (NTD), including Anencephaly (failure of brain formation) and Spina bifida (open spine). When is Amniocentesis advised? An amniocentesis is usually advised for women in the following high risk category for birth defects: Women over 35 (since the risk of Downs syndrome is very high); Women with more than one miscarriages; If there is a family history of birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities or hereditary diseases. Risks of getting amniocentesis done While amniocentesis has an accuracy rate of roughly 99.4%, there is a less than 1 in a 1000 chance of complications. Various risks associated with amniocentesis are as follows: Miscarriage –While the risk of miscarriage is less than 1% if the test is done in second trimester, if done before 15 weeks of pregnancy, there is a higher risk of miscarriage. Needle injury – It is possible that the baby moves his arm or leg at the time the needle is injected for amniocentesis and gets injured. However, no serious injury has been found till date due to this test. Transmission of infection – If the mother has infections like hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or toxoplasmosis; they can be transferred to the baby during amniocentesis. Preterm labour, Leaking of amniotic fluid through the vagina, and Uterine Infections are some other rare risks of getting an amniocentesis test. Precautions after amniocentesis test Although amniocentesis is considered safe, it is advised to go home and relax for the rest of the day after the test is done. Any exercise or strenuous activity should be avoided and you should not carry or lift anything more than 20 pounds. Utmost care should be taken if you have a small kid at home. It is advisable to avoid sexual relations as well. If you have any kind of discomfort, talk to your doctor and he will advise some medication that is safe during pregnancy. If there are no special instructions from your doctor, you can resume to your daily activities from the very next day of the test. What is amniocentesis test during pregnancy? When and how is it performed? What are the risks of getting an amniocentesis done? Discuss here.



Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used to test a sample of the amniotic fluid for any birth defects in the foetus. Read on to know how and why it is performed and when it is advised to pregnant women.

During pregnancy, the baby lies within the amniotic sac in the uterus. The amniotic sac is a sealed bag filled with amniotic fluid which contains live cells shed from the baby’ skin. Because each skin cell comprises an entire set of the foetus’ DNA, the amniotic fluid can help one glean important information regarding the health of the baby and any potential disorders even before birth.

What is Amniocentesis Test?

The Amniocentesis Test is a medical procedure done during pregnancy where a fine needle is inserted into the abdominal wall to take out a sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus. Amniocentesis measures the amount of foetal protein both in the mother's blood as well as in the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Depending on genetic risks and indications, a number of other tests may be performed on that sample of amniotic fluid.

How is Amniocentesis performed?

If amniocentesis is done within 20 weeks of pregnancy, you will be advised to prepare for it by drinking plenty of fluids before the test as your bladder needs to be full during the procedure. But if the test is done after 20 weeks of pregnancy, your bladder needs to be empty during amniocentesis test. Before your amniocentesis is performed, an ultrasound scan will be done to see the position of your baby and where the amniotic fluid should be removed from.

The ultrasound will continue during the amniocentesis procedure as well in order to provide visbility while inserting the needle into the amniotic sac. Using a syringe, a small sample of the amniotic fluid will be extracted and sent to a laboratory for testing. While the test isn’t inordinately painful, you may feel a sting during the needle insertion and a bit of pressure when the needle is removed. The whole procedure usually takes about ten minutes following which you may experience spotting or pain similar to menstrual cramps for a few hours.

Why is Amniocentesis done?

• To check for abnormalities in chromosomes (the part of cells that contain genetic information) which can cause disorders such as Down’s Syndrome, Sickle-Cell Disease, Edward’s Syndrome, etc.

• To check if the lungs of the baby are well-developed to withstand the birth and delivery process

• To evaluate if the baby has any infection

• To ascertain if the foetus is suffering from birth defects such as Neural Tube Defect (NTD), including Anencephaly (failure of brain formation) and Spina bifida (open spine).

When is Amniocentesis advised?

• An amniocentesis is usually advised for women in the following high risk category for birth defects:

• Women over 35 (since the risk of Down's syndrome is very high);

• Women with more than one miscarriages;

• If there is a family history of birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities or hereditary diseases.

Risks of getting amniocentesis done

While amniocentesis has an accuracy rate of roughly 99.4%, there is a less than 1 in a 1000 chance of complications. Various risks associated with amniocentesis are as follows:

• Miscarriage –While the risk of miscarriage is less than 1% if the test is done in second trimester, if done before 15 weeks of pregnancy, there is a higher risk of miscarriage.

• Needle injury – It is possible that the baby moves his arm or leg at the time the needle is injected for amniocentesis and gets injured. However, no serious injury has been found till date due to this test.

• Transmission of infection – If the mother has infections like hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or toxoplasmosis; they can be transferred to the baby during amniocentesis.

• Preterm labour, Leaking of amniotic fluid through the vagina, and Uterine Infections are some other rare risks of getting an amniocentesis test.

Precautions after amniocentesis test

Although amniocentesis is considered safe, it is advised to go home and relax for the rest of the day after the test is done. Any exercise or strenuous activity should be avoided and you should not carry or lift anything more than 20 pounds. Utmost care should be taken if you have a small kid at home. It is advisable to avoid sexual relations as well.

If you have any kind of discomfort, talk to your doctor and he will advise some medication that is safe during pregnancy. If there are no special instructions from your doctor, you can resume to your daily activities from the very next day of the test.

What is amniocentesis test during pregnancy? When and how is it performed? What are the risks of getting an amniocentesis done? Discuss here.