Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure conducted during pregnancy to collect amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding the developing fetus. A thin needle, guided by ultrasound imaging, will be inserted through the mother’s abdominal wall into the amniotic sac.
The collected amniotic fluid contains fetal cells and substances that offer crucial information about the health and development of the baby. Usually performed between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, amniocentesis can test for:
- Genetic Testing
It can detect chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. - Neural Tube Defects
It can also screen for neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. - Lung Maturity
In certain cases, it is used to assess fetal lung maturity, especially when considering early delivery.
While amniocentesis provides valuable insights, it is an invasive procedure carrying a slight risk of complications, including miscarriage. The decision to undergo amniocentesis is made based on the individual’s medical history, risk factors, and discussions with healthcare providers regarding the procedure’s benefits and risks.