Amniocentesis

General Information about Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is the primary diagnostic procedure for antenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders. It is a simple medical procedure done during pregnancy for obtaining samples of the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the fetus and provides a cushioning effect.

Also called simply as "Amnio" and is usually is done after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The procedure should be considered in the following situations:

► Women in their mid-30's and over, especially those who are pregnant for the first time.

► Women who have had a child with a chromosomal abnormality like Down syndrome in their previous pregnancies.

► Women with history of previous stillborn or spontaneous abortions.

► Women who have had a child with a neural tube defect such as spina-bifida.

► Women who know that either they or their spouse, have a family history of inherited disorders, which can be diagnosed.

► Women who have had exposure to radiation or chemotherapeutic agents

Babies of women with metabolic disorders are sometimes at risk with chromosomal abnormalities like,

1. Autoimmune thyroditis
2. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiencies
3. Diabetes mellitus