What is Amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a technique used to gather amniotic fluid from the uterus during pregnancy to diagnose genetic disorders and fetal abnormalities. It is a prenatal diagnostic procedure which collects the foetal cell from the amniotic fluid to examine and identify chromosomal abnormalities or any disease of the baby. In this article, we will look into the Amniocentesis meaning, the reasons to performing Amniocentesis and its procedure, along with the risk associated with Amniocentesis.

What is Amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure. It is also known as “Amnio”. Amniotic fluid is found in the uterus of the mother during pregnancy. Baby is surrounded by this fluid to remain protected from mechanical injuries. Feotal cells and alpha-fetoprotein are found in the amniotic fluid which help provide essential information about the health of the baby. During amniocentesis, the amniotic fluid is collected with the help of a syringe and then the fluid is medically examined to detect genetic abnormalities or any disease of the baby. Sex determination can also be done through this procedure.

Amniocentesis Diagram

The diagram of Amniocentesis is given below:

Why is Amniocentesis Performed?

Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test. It is mainly performed to know about the health of the baby. The procedure helps to detect:

• Karyotypic Abnormalities: If the chromosomes of the feotus are normal or not. That means if the baby is with any genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis, down syndrome, sickle cell disease, heart defects or not.
• Congenital Abnormalities: If the baby has any birth defect such as spina bifida, anencephaly or not.
• Organ Development: At the later period of pregnancy, if the lung of the foetus is well developed or not able to breathe properly.
• Infection: If the foetus has any infection or not. Any disease such as Rh Anaemia of the baby can also be detected through this test.
• Gender: The sex of the baby can be identified through this procedure.

Who Needs Amniocentesis?

Every pregnant woman can use this diagnostic test after consulting with her doctor. But, a pregnant woman with the following criteria highly requires an amnio. The criteria are mentioned below:

• Age of the Mother: If the mother is 35 years or more than that in age. Because such a patient has a higher risk of developing a baby with chromosomal abnormalities.
• Previous Pregnancy with a Birth Defect: If the patient has a child with birth defects then it increases the chance that a birth defect can be seen in the next pregnancy also.
• Family History: If the patient or her partner or their family member has any genetic disease, then the patient must check if the baby has any genetic abnormality or not.

How is Amniocentesis Performed?

The procedure of amniocentesis is described below:

• At first, the patient should lie on a table with hands behind her head.
• The blood pressure, breathing rate and pulse rate are checked properly.
• Then, an ultrasound is performed to determine the position of the foetus, placenta, and umbilical cord. The heart rate of the baby is also checked properly. The position of the pocket of the amniotic fluid is also detected through this ultrasound.
• The surface of the abdomen of the mother is cleaned by using antiseptic. Then, anaesthesia is performed.
• Now, a long, hollow and thin needle is injected into the uterus and amniotic fluid is collected
• The fluid thus collected is then stored in a container. The container must be light-protected.
• At the end of this procedure, the heart rate of the mother and the baby is checked again.
• The collected amniotic fluid is examined in the laboratories.

What is the Risk of Amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a safe and painless procedure but this procedure has some risks also:

• Miscarriages: Amniocentesis can cause miscarriage but nowadays the chance is low. Miscarriage mainly occurs when any blood vessel of the foetus is cut by the needle that is used for amniocentesis. Miscarriage can also be caused due to damage or rupture of the membrane and due to any infection. To avoid such infections, the skin of the patient’s abdomen must be cleaned properly. Sometimes after the amniocentesis procedure, miscarriage can happen without any proper reason.
• Injuries: The foetus can be injured by the long needle. But nowadays, this is very rare because the entire procedure is done with the help of ultrasound imaging.
• Pain: Though it is almost a painless procedure, some patients have experienced pain like menstrual cramping.
• Leaking of Amniotic Fluid: Sometimes leaking of amniotic fluid can be seen from the operating site or the vagina. Sometimes, preterm labour can be seen after this procedure.

Care After Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a safe procedure. However, one should follow the following measures to avoid any problems:

• Jogging-like and aerobic exercises should be avoided.
• Lifting heavy things should be avoided.
• Any strenuous activity should be avoided.
• Intercourse should be avoided.
• The patient should lead her usual life just from the next day of this procedure. Any kind of chill, fever, unusual pain, bleeding, or leakage of fluid must be consulted with the doctor.

Why is Amniocentesis Banned in India?

Amniocentesis has been banned in India since 1994. Amniocentesis can reveal the gender of the baby. In many parts of India, even today girl children are not welcomed. So, the case of aborting female foetuses was high in India. To stop such practice, amniocentesis is banned in India.

Conclusion – Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure and it is mainly used to determine any chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects of the foetus. The amniotic fluid from the womb of the mother is collected with the help of a long needle then the amniotic fluid is examined in the laboratory. The procedure is safe and almost painless. The Amniocentesis procedure can reveal the gender of the foetus and to prevent intentional abortion of the female foetus, this is why it has been banned in India since 1994.

FAQs on Amniocentesis

What is Amniocentesis Class 12?

Amniocentesis is a test done during pregnancy to check for genetic problems or infections in the baby. It involves taking a small sample of fluid from around the baby in the womb and testing it. This helps doctors understand the health of the baby.

What is the Amniocentesis Test Used for?

The amniocentesis test is used to diagnose genetic disorders and fetal abnormalities during pregnancy by collecting amniotic fluid from the uterus.

What if Amniocentesis is Positive?

If amniocentesis results are positive it indicates the presence of a genetic disorder or fetal abnormality. Then further medical consultations and evaluations are conducted to discuss potential treatment options and management plans for the pregnancy.

What are the Disadvantages of Amniocentesis?

The disadvantages of amniocentesis include a small risk of miscarriage or injury to the fetus, as well as the possibility of inaccurate test results or complications such as infection or leakage of amniotic fluid.

Name a Benefit of Amniocentesis.

Amniocentesis provides many benefits. One of the major benefits of amniocentesis is it can detect any karyotypic abnormality or birth defect in the foetus.

When Should the Doctor be Consulted after Amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a safe and painless procedure. But, if a patient notices fever, chill, unusual pain, bleeding, or leakage of amniotic fluid, then a doctor should be consulted immediately.

When Should the Amniocentesis be Performed?

Amniocentesis should be performed between the 15th – 20th week of pregnancy. Late amniocentesis should be performed after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Is Amniocentesis Accurate?

Yes, Amniocentesis is almost 100% accurate. It provides accurate result about any genetic abnormalities in the baby.

Is Amniocentesis Painful?

Amniocentesis is usually not painful. However, some patients report pain like period cramps.