AMNIOCENTESIS

What is amniocentesis?

What should I expect after the procedure?

What is amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a test offered in pregnancy to check if the baby has any genetic/ chromosomal condition like Down's Syndrome. It is offered to women if the baby has a higher risk of having these problems.
It involves the examination of cells that are are shed from the fetus into the fluid around the fetus. The chromosomes present in these cells are the same as those of the baby.
Amniocentesis is usually performed after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

How is it done?

What should I expect after the procedure?

What is amniocentesis?

During Amniocentesis, a thin needle is passed into the uterus to collect a small volume of amniotic fluid. The needle is continuously observed using ultrasound scan.
The amount of fluid removed by amniocentesis accumulates within a few hours as the fetus passes urine.
The procedure lasts a few minute and we check the fetal heart beat after the procedure to confirm it is normal.

What should I expect after the procedure?

What should I expect after the procedure?

What should I expect after the procedure?

For the first couple of days you may experience some abdominal discomfort or period-like pain. You may find it helpful to take simple painkillers like paracetamol.
If there is a lot of pain, bleeding, loss of fluid from your vagina or if you develop a temperature please seek medical advice.

What are the risks?

When can I expect to get the results?

What should I expect after the procedure?

The risk of miscarriage due to amniocentesis is about 1 in 100. If you were to miscarry due to the test, this would happen within the first five days.

When can I expect to get the results?

When can I expect to get the results?

When can I expect to get the results?

The results for Down's syndrome and other major chromosomal defects are usually available within 3-5 days.
The results of other genetic problems takes 2-3 weeks. You will be kept informed of the expected time of the results and we will call you once the results are available.