Amniocentesis is the process of taking amniotic fluid from the uterus for testing and treatment. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds and protects the baby during pregnancy. This fluid contains fetal cells and many chemicals produced by the baby.
With genetic amniocentesis, the amniotic fluid is examined for certain abnormalities such as down syndrome and spina bfida.
To detect maturation, amniocentesis is used to check whether the baby's lungs are ready for birth. Amniocentesis is occasionally done to evaluate the baby for infections and diseases. Rarely, it is used to reduce amniotic fluid volume.
Amniocentesis can be performed at different stages of pregnancy for different reasons;
Genetic Amniocentesis: With genetic amniocentesis, information about the genetic structure of the baby is obtained. It is usually recommended when the impact of test results on the pregnancy is significant or you want to continue the pregnancy.
Genetic amniocentesis is usually performed after the 15th week of pregnancy, when the 2 layers of fetal membranes have developed sufficiently to take a sample of amniotic fluid.
You may consider genetic amniocentesis in the following situations;
- If the prenatal screening tests show abnormal results: If the double screening test and triple screening test results are positive or worrying, you may consider having an amniocentesis.
- If you have had a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect in a previous pregnancy: If you have had Down syndrome or a neural tube defect, which is an important condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, in your previous pregnancies, the risk of having it in this pregnancy is high.
- If you are 35 years old or older: Babies born to mothers 35 and older are at risk for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.
- If there is a certain genetic disorder in your family history or in your spouse: Many diseases such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell disease can be examined with amniocentesis. These require a special examination of the amniotic fluid, but there should be a reason to look for these conditions.
- If there is a suspected infection of the uterus or Rh incompatibility: Amniocentesis can also be used rarely to diagnose uterine infections and Rh incompatibility (the mother's immune system produces antibodies against a specific protein on the surface of the baby's blood cells).
Amniocentesis to Detect Maturation: It is checked whether the baby's lungs are ready for birth. This type of amniocentesis is applied only when preterm birth with trigger or cesarean section is considered in order to prevent complications for the mother. It is usually applied between 32 and 39 weeks. Before 32 weeks, the baby's lungs are not fully developed.
Other reasons for amniocentesis: From time to time, amniocentesis can be performed to evaluate the baby for infection or other diseases. Rarely, it can be done to reduce the density of the amniotic fluid.
Amino Synthesis Risks: Amniocentesis has some risks;
-Miscarriage: Early amniocentesis may cause miscarriage in case of rupture of the amniotic sac. low risk; It increases if amniocentesis is performed in the early stages of pregnancy, that is, when the 2 layers of the fetal membranes are not sufficiently developed. However, the risk of miscarriage decreases in the 2nd trimester. For years, the risk of miscarriage was generally considered to be 1 in 200. Today, this risk is 1 in 300 and 1 in 500.
When amniocentesis is performed later in pregnancy for the development of the baby's lungs, rupture of the amniotic sac is less of a problem because after this point a safe delivery is possible.
- Cramp and Vaginal bleeding: Cramps may be experienced after amniocentesis. A small amount of vaginal bleeding may also occur in some women.
- Needle-induced injury: During amniocentesis, the baby may move his arm or leg and the needle may hit him. Serious needle injuries are very rare.
- Leakage of amniotic fluid: Rarely, after amniocentesis, amniotic fluid may leak from the vagina. If the leakage passes, the pregnancy will continue normally. However, sometimes this leakage can cause orthopedic problems during the baby's infancy and childhood.
- Rh sensitization: Rarely, amniocentesis causes the baby's blood cells to enter the mother's blood stream. If you have rh negative blood type, you will be given a medicine called rh immunoglobulin to prevent you from producing antibodies against the baby's blood cells after amniocentesis.
- Infection: Amniocentesis may very rarely cause uterine infections.
You can eat and drink normally before amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis is a procedure usually performed in an outpatient setting or doctor's office.
What Is Done During Aminocentesis Application Process?
First of all, your doctor will determine the baby's position in the uterus through ultrasound. You will lie on your back on the examination table and open your stomach. Your doctor will apply a special gel to your abdomen and see the baby's position on the monitor via ultrasound. Afterwards, your abdomen will be cleaned with a special antiseptic. Anesthesia is not usually used. Most women report feeling a slight discomfort during the procedure, such as when having blood drawn.
While under ultrasound guidance, your doctor will insert a thin, hollow needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus. Some amniotic fluid is drawn into the needle and the needle is removed. How much amniotic fluid will be taken is related to what week of pregnancy it is. It is necessary to lie still while the needle is inserted and the amniotic fluid is removed. A slight stinging sensation may be felt when the needle enters the skin, and cramping may be felt when the needle enters the uterus. The whole procedure takes about 15-20 minutes, most of this time is spent with ultrasound. Your body replaces the amniotic fluid removed.
After the Application of Aminocenesis:
After amniocentesis, your doctor can check the baby's heartbeat with ultrasound. Cramping or vaginal bleeding may occur immediately after amniocentesis. Your doctor will advise you to rest after the procedure. You can continue your daily work the day after the procedure.
Meanwhile, the amniotic fluid taken will be examined in the laboratory. Some results for genetic amniocentesis may be available within a few days. Other results may take several weeks.
How do I find out the Amino Synthesis Results?
Your doctor will forward and explain the results of the amniocentesis to you. Genetic amniocentesis delivers reliable results that reveal conditions such as down syndrome. Usually no further testing is needed. Amniocentesis cannot reveal all birth defects such as heart defects, clubfoot, rabbit lip, and soft palate.
If, as a result of amniocentesis, some incurable chromosomal or hereditary disorders are found in your baby, you may find yourself at a difficult decision stage, such as continuing or terminating the pregnancy.
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