Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a well-established prenatal diagnostic test offered at Emirates Hospitals. This procedure involves withdrawing a small amount of amniotic fluid, the liquid surrounding your baby in the womb, for detailed analysis.Amniocentesis provides a highly accurate assessment of your baby’s chromosomes and potential genetic conditions.

Why is Amniocentesis Performed?

Your doctor at Emirates Hospitals might recommend amniocentesis under specific circumstances:

• Advanced maternal age: Women 35 years old and above have a slightly increased risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. Amniocentesis can identify these issues during pregnancy.
• Family history of genetic conditions: If you or your partner has a family history of a specific genetic disorder,amniocentesis can determine if your baby has inherited the condition.
• Abnormal results from non-invasive tests: If a screening test like a first-trimester combined screening or quad screen indicates an increased risk, amniocentesis can provide a definitive diagnosis.
• Ultrasound findings: If an ultrasound reveals any concerning signs related to your baby’s development,amniocentesis can offer a more detailed evaluation.
• Previous child with a chromosomal abnormality: If you have had a previous child with a chromosomal abnormality, amniocentesis can assess the risk in your current pregnancy.

What Happens During an Amniocentesis Procedure?

Amniocentesis, typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, is a relatively simple procedure. Here’s what to expect:

1. Preparation: You might be advised to drink plenty of water beforehand to ensure a full bladder, which helps with image clarity during the ultrasound.
2. The procedure: A highly trained sonographer at Emirates Hospitals will use ultrasound to locate your baby’s position and the amniotic sac. A thin needle is then carefully inserted through your abdomen and into the amniotic sac under ultrasound guidance. A small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn.
3. Duration: The entire procedure typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
4. After the procedure: Following the amniocentesis, you might be monitored for a short period before being discharged home.

Most women experience only mild discomfort during the procedure. Local anesthetic can be applied to minimize any pain.

What Can Amniocentesis Reveal?

The collected amniotic fluid sample undergoes chromosomal analysis and other genetic tests to identify potential abnormalities. Amniocentesis can detect a wide range of conditions, including:

• Down syndrome: This is the most common chromosomal abnormality detected through amniocentesis.
• Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome: These are other serious chromosomal conditions that amniocentesis can identify.
• Cystic fibrosis: This is a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system.
• Tay-Sachs disease: This is a rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system.
• Neural tube defects: Amniocentesis can also detect certain neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Benefits of Amniocentesis

• Highly accurate: Amniocentesis offers a very high degree of accuracy in detecting chromosomal abnormalities.
• Wide range of conditions: The test can identify a broad spectrum of genetic conditions.

Risks of Amniocentesis

• Miscarriage: There’s a small risk of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis.
• Infection: As with any invasive procedure, there’s a slight risk of infection.
• Leakage of amniotic fluid: In rare cases, there might be a temporary leak of amniotic fluid following the procedure.

Following Up After Amniocentesis

After the amniocentesis, it typically takes 1-2 weeks to receive the results. Your doctor at Emirates Hospitals will discuss the results with you in detail. If the results are normal, you can likely continue with routine prenatal care. However, if the test reveals an abnormality, your doctor will discuss further testing options, management strategies, and provide support throughout this process.

It’s important to remember that amniocentesis is a personal decision. Your doctor at Emirates Hospitals will thoroughly explain the risks and benefits of the procedure to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your pregnancy.