What is an amniocentesis?Amniocentesis is a procedure performed typically after the 16th week of pregnancy.Amniotic fluid is obtained with a long, thin needle entering through the abdomeninto the amniotic sac. Ultrasound guidance is used throughout the procedure to geta pocket fluid away from baby. The fluid is sent to a lab to be tested forchromosomal conditions or molecular conditions (like sickle cell disease or cysticfibrosis). Are there risks associated with amniocentesis?There is risk for miscarriage, bleeding, infection, etc. Some studies quote a 1 in 500to 1 in 1000 risk for a complication yet it is important to ask the physicianperforming this procedure what he or she personally quotes. When would someone consider amniocentesis?-Positive blood test for chromosomal condition-Advanced maternal age-Couple who are carriers of the same condition or a woman who is a carrier of an x-linked condition-Birth defect identified on ultrasound What are the benefits of doing an amniocentesis over chorionic villisampling (CVS)?Amniotic fluid has cells in it that come directly from the baby so there is no risk ofplacental mosaicism (where the placenta and baby have different cells) as is the casewith CVS. Amniotic fluid can also be tested for infections and alpha fetoprotein (AFP).AFP, if elevated, indicates a possible neural tube defect like spina bifida. Also, thecondition, Fragile X, can be evaluated at the time of amniocentesis. What are the limitations of amniocentesis?Amniocentesis is performed in the second trimester. Diagnostic results are notavailable until almost the 18th week of pregnancy. Waiting for these results can beanxiety producing for many reasons.

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