Amniocentesis
- Causes and Risk Factors
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER AMNIOCENTESIS?
- Women whose First Trimester Screening or Maternal Serum Screening or Non Invasive prenatal testing test results shows a “High Risk” for Trisomy 21 or 13 or 18.
- Women who know that they or their partners are carriers of a known genetic disease.
- Women who had an early ultrasound report shows that the fetus has structural defects which are associated with chromosomal disorders.
- Women who know that they or their partners have an unusual chromosome arrangement.
- Women who have had a child with Down Syndrome or chromosol disorders.
There may be other reasons that apply uniquely to you. Both you and your obstetrician should decide together if you need an Amniocentesis.
WHEN WILL THE AMNIOCENTESIS TEST RESULTS BE AVAILABLE ?
Usually it takes about 2–3 weeks. If you wish, a rapid test can provide a preliminary report in 3 working days.
CAN ALL BIRTH DEFECTS BE DETECTE D BY AMNIOCENTESIS?
No. Amniocentesis can detect almost all known chromosomal disorders. However, birth defects not due to chromos
IS AMNIOCENTESIS SAFE?
Amniocentesis is a safe, low risk procedure when done by experienced medical experts. The risk of miscarriage following the test is reported to be 0.3 - 0.5%.
