Meanwhile, the sample of amniotic fluid will be analyzed in a lab. Some results might be available within a few days. Other results might take up to four weeks. Your health care provider or a genetic counselor will help you understand your amniocentesis results. For genetic amniocentesis, test results can reliably rule out or diagnose various genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome. However, amniocentesis can't identify all genetic conditions and birth defects.
If amniocentesis indicates that your baby has a chromosomal or genetic condition that can't be treated, you might face wrenching decisions — such as whether to continue the pregnancy. Seek support from your health care team and your loved ones. For fetal lung maturity amniocentesis, test results can reliably indicate a baby's lung maturity. If you need to deliver the baby early, this information can offer reassurance that your baby is ready for birth.
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Amniocentesis Amniocentesis is a prenatal test. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ghidini A, et al. Diagnostic amniocentesis. Accessed Oct. Cunningham FG, et al. One of the main risks associated with amniocentesis is miscarriage , which is the loss of the pregnancy in the first 23 weeks. There are also some other risks, such as infection or needing to have the procedure again because it was not possible to accurately test the first sample.
The risk of amniocentesis causing complications is higher if it's carried out before the 15th week of pregnancy, which is why the test is only done after this point. Find out more about the possible complications of amniocentesis. An alternative to amniocentesis is a test called chorionic villus sampling CVS. This is where a small sample of cells from the placenta, the organ that links the mother's blood supply with her unborn baby's, is removed for testing.
It's usually carried out between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, although it can be performed later than this if necessary.
With CVS, the risk of miscarriage is similar to the risk of miscarriage for amniocentesis up to 1 out of every If you're offered tests to look for a genetic or chromosomal condition in your baby, a specialist involved in carrying out the test will be able to discuss the different options with you and help you make a decision.
Page last reviewed: 17 April Next review due: 17 April When amniocentesis is offered Amniocentesis is not offered to all pregnant women. This could be because: an antenatal screening test has suggested your baby may be born with a condition, such as Down's syndrome , Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome you have had a previous pregnancy that was affected by a genetic condition you have a family history of a genetic condition, such as sickle cell disease , thalassaemia , cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy.
Find out about why amniocentesis is offered and deciding whether to have it How amniocentesis is performed Amniocentesis is usually carried out between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, but you can have it later if necessary.
Amniocentesis is usually described as being uncomfortable rather than painful. Find out more about what happens during amniocentesis Getting your results The first results of the test should be available within 3 working days and will tell you whether Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome has been discovered.
Get the facts. Your options Have an amniocentesis test. Don't have amniocentesis. Key points to remember Your doctor may recommend amniocentesis if your chances of having a baby with a genetic condition or birth defect are higher than average.
Even though amniocentesis can detect certain problems, it can't guarantee that your baby will be born healthy. No test can do that. If the test shows that your baby may be born with a serious problem, you and your partner can use the information to plan for the future.
But it does have some risks, including a small chance of causing a miscarriage. What is amniocentesis? When is amniocentesis done? What information can amniocentesis provide? Amniocentesis can tell you if your baby is at risk for: Genetic conditions or birth defects, such as Down syndrome and neural tube defects.
Certain diseases that run in families, such as cystic fibrosis , sickle cell disease , and Huntington's disease. What are the benefits of having amniocentesis? What are the risks of having amniocentesis? When amniocentesis is performed by a highly trained doctor, the risk of miscarriage after the test is about 1 out of women.
This means it doesn't lead to a miscarriage out of times. There is a very small chance that the amniotic fluid may get infected. There is a chance that your baby may be poked by the needle during the test. But this is rare when ultrasound is used to guide the needle. The most common injury is a tear in the placenta. This usually heals without a problem. There is a small chance that you could bleed during the test. If this happens, your blood may mix with your baby's blood.
This is only a problem if your blood is Rh-negative and your baby's is Rh-positive, because you could have an immune system response called Rh sensitization. If you're at risk for Rh sensitization, you'll be given a vaccine to prevent it. Foot defect.
There is an increased risk that your baby may be born with a club foot when amniocentesis is done before 15 weeks of pregnancy. What should you think about before you have amniocentesis? All patient decisions are personal. You might think about: Your chance of passing on a family disease to your baby. Your age.
As you get older, you have a greater chance of having a baby with a birth defect. Your need to know about any problems with your baby. What you might do if the test shows a problem.
Whether you can afford to pay for the test. Amniocentesis can cost a lot. Most provincial health plans and private insurance plans will cover the cost of the test if you have certain risk factors that may increase your baby's chance of having a serious health problem. A risk factor is something—such as your age or family history—that raises your risk of having a certain health problem. Why might your doctor recommend amniocentesis?
Your doctor may advise you to have amniocentesis if: Other tests suggest that your chance of having a baby with a genetic condition or birth defect is higher than average. You or your partner has a family history of birth defects.
You or your partner carries an abnormal gene that is known to cause a certain disease. You want to know if your baby has a serious health problem so you can decide early whether you want to continue your pregnancy or make plans to care for a sick child. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Have amniocentesis Don't have amniocentesis.
Compare Option 2 Have amniocentesis Don't have amniocentesis. Have amniocentesis Have amniocentesis You lie on your back while your doctor puts a long needle into your belly. You may feel some discomfort, but the test only takes a few minutes. You go home after the test.
You find out early in your pregnancy if your baby has a genetic condition or birth defect. Information from the test can help you to: Decide if you want to continue your pregnancy. Make plans to care for a baby who is sick or has a birth defect. Choose a hospital that specializes in caring for newborns with serious health problems.
Possible risks include: A miscarriage. An infection. A needle injury to your baby. A foot defect. Don't have amniocentesis Don't have amniocentesis You have regular prenatal examinations and blood tests to check for any signs of problems. You won't know if your baby has a severe birth defect until after he or she is born. Birth could be harder on you or your baby if the doctor doesn't know ahead of time that there is a problem.
Personal stories about considering amniocentesis These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to have amniocentesis Reasons not to have amniocentesis. I'm worried that something might be wrong with my baby. I'm not worried that something might be wrong with my baby. I'm not afraid of the needle that is used to do the test.
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