Amniocentesis

Image result for amniocentesisAmniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus to diagnose chromosomal disorders and open neural tube defects (ONTDs), such as spina bifida. An amniocentesis is generally offered to women between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy who are at increased risk for chromosome abnormalities, such as women who are over age 35 years of age at delivery, or those who have had an abnormal maternal serum screening test, indicating an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect.

The procedure involves inserting a long, thin needle through the mother's abdomen into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small sample of the amniotic fluid for examination. The amniotic fluid contains cells shed by the fetus, which contain genetic information. Although specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, an amniocentesis follows this process:
  • The woman's abdomen is cleansed with an antiseptic
  •  The doctor may or may not give a local anesthetic to numb the skin
  • Ultrasound is used to help guide a hollow needle into the amniotic sac
  • A small sample of fluid is withdrawn for laboratory analysis
  • Strenuous activities should be avoided for 24 hours following an amniocentesis
  • Women may feel some cramping during or after the amniocentesis
Women with twins or other multiples need sampling from each amniotic sac, in order to study each baby. Depending on the position of the baby, placenta, amount of fluid, or patient's anatomy, sometimes the amniocentesis cannot be performed. The fluid is sent to a genetics laboratory so that the cells can grow and be analyzed. Alpha-fetoprotein, a protein made by the fetus that is present in the fluid, is also measured to rule out an open neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. Results are usually available in about 10 days to two weeks, depending on the laboratory.

Many women are understandably concerned about the potential risk for miscarriage associated with amniocentesis. And, while it’s true that increased miscarriage risk was once a significant concern, advancements in the technology for performing this procedure have significantly reduced this risk.Currently, the risk of miscarriage for amniocentesis is about 1 in 400 pregnancies, with the risk occurring due to infection or premature labor induction. However, as with of all causes of miscarriage, it’s really challenging to connect miscarriage with one specific event, like getting an amnio done. Also, with the use of guided ultrasound imaging, there is little risk of injury to the developing baby.Signs of complications that warrant immediate medical attention are watery or foul odour in pregnancy discharge, contractions, severe pain, and signs of infection like fever and flu-like symptoms. Some light spotting after an amnio can be expected, but continuous severe bleeding is also a sign to immediately see a medical professional.

An amniocentesis can be really informative because it can help you plan for what to do if the fetus requires additional surgery (like fetal surgery for spina bifida) and help you address additional resources you might need for the baby. However, some women choose not to get the procedure because they will carry the baby to term regardless of the results of the amniocentesis. Depending on your own personal preferences and moral philosophies, you may not elect to have an amniocentesis. Although not compulsory the procedure may ease a parent into their child having lifelong health problems and may allow them to prepare themselves for the first encounter with the baby and understand how to take care of he, she or them.

Thank you for reading :)
Written by Anuja Rajeev

·        Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniocentesis
·        https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/amniocentesis/

·        https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/biopsies/amniocentesis

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