Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a procedure used to draw a small amount of fluid (approximately one ounce) from the bag of water which surrounds the baby during development. This procedure may be done at different times during a pregnancy for various reasons. Early in pregnancy, the fluid will be tested for certain genetic disorders; late in pregnancy, the fluid is tested for infant lung maturity. In either case, the physicians in this practice perform the procedure.

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Amniocentesis is done as an outpatient and, depending on the information needed, the results can be obtained in as little as four hours or as long as two to three weeks. Regardless of the reason for the test, the technique used is the same. With a full bladder, and using ultrasound to visualize the baby and locate the placenta, one of the physicians in the practice will insert a needle through the abdomen after a local anesthetic has been used to numb the skin. The needle will penetrate the wall of the uterus and the needed fluid will be drawn off. The test takes only a short time, and after the test you will be monitored with a fetal monitor to assess how your baby is doing following the procedure.

Amniocentesis is a procedure that is not without risk. However, the risk involved in amniocentesis is not great. Your increased risk of a problem due to the procedure is one third to one half of 1 percent. If you require this procedure, it is important for you to know that the risks are miscarriage and infection.

Note: This information applies only to Lansing OB/GYN Associates.