

Have a family history of certain birth defects.Have an abnormal ultrasound or abnormal lab screens.but amniocentesis is most commonly performed to look for certain types of birth defects, such as Down syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality.īecause amniocentesis presents a small risk for both the mother and their baby, the prenatal test is generally offered to women who have a significant risk for genetic diseases, including those who: Why Is an Amniocentesis Performed?Ī complete anatomical ultrasound will be done prior to amniocentesis. Those tests can include the karyotype test, the FISH test, and microarray analysis.
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A lab tests the sample, checking your baby’s chromosomes. The sample (less than an ounce) is removed through a fine needle inserted into the uterus through your abdomen, under ultrasound guidance. What Is Amniocentesis?Īmniocentesis is an invasive prenatal test in which your doctor takes a sample of the amniotic fluid. Unlike blood testing, which shows only whether you are at risk, amniocentesis is used to make a diagnosis. You may also need it if you have signs of an infection or if you may deliver early. Your doctor may suggest a test called amniocentesis (or amnio) if your baby is at a higher risk of some birth defects. They provide important information about your baby's health before birth.

Amniotic fluid contains live fetal cells and other things, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). During pregnancy, the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid, a substance much like water.
