AMNIOCENTESIS

What is amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a procedure used to withdraw a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus. A sterile needle is inserted into the sac and fluid is removed for analysis. Analysis of the fluid can tell with nearly 100% accuracy the chromosomal makeup of the fetus. The most common reasons for performing an amniocentesis are: maternal age over 35, increased risk of Down’s syndrome found during prenatal genetic screening, and increased risk of chromosomal abnormality based on ultrasound findings.

Amniocentesis carries serious unavoidable risks. Approximately 1 in every 200 procedures performed results in the loss of the pregnancy. The risk is due to the possibility of introducing bacteria into the amniotic cavity, which can result in a serious infection and subsequent miscarriage. If you have additional questions, please call our office for an consultation appointment.

Prior to coming for your appointment:
Check with your insurance company to see if authorization is required for this test. Bring the authorization number to your appointment. Verify what laboratory is authorized to perform the chromosome analysis. Dianon Laboratories is our preferred lab due to their 7-10 day turnaround time for chromosome analysis results. Other labs may have at least a 14-day turnaround time for results. You will need to designate a laboratory. If your insurance company doesn’t contract with Dianon Laboratories, you may choose to pay for the test yourself.

Please note: you will receive two bills for this procedure--one from our office and second bill from the genetics laboratory.

It is important to know your blood type before the test. Ask your obstetrician to include your blood type on the sonogram order. They can also fax, call or write us with your blood type for our records. If you are Rh negative, a Rhogam shot will be given after the procedure.

Day of your appointment:
Come in 15 minutes early to fill out appropriate papers for this test. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them before the procedure begins.

Eat and drink as normal. You do not need a full bladder for this procedure.

You may bring a blank videotape (not video camera) for us to record a portion of the ultrasound. The actual amniocentesis is not recorded. Measurements will be taken and we will try to provide a photograph of the fetus for you to take home. The doctor will describe each step of the procedure. Ultrasound is used as a guide throughout the procedure.

After the amniocentesis, we recommend bed-rest for 24 hours. Avoid carrying small children, working, lifting heavy objects, and driving. Timing of the results will depend on the lab used. Our office will call you immediately. If you do not wish to know the gender of the baby, please indicate at the beginning of the telephone conversation.

Call our office and report any of the following symptoms:
Fever or chills (take your temperature before calling the physician)
Clear vaginal drainage
Vaginal bleeding
Foul vaginal discharge
Abdominal cramping (some cramping is normal within the first 24 hours)