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Amniocentesis
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Tests on the amniotic fluid that surrounds a developing
baby can provide an early warning of many problems. To collect
the fluid, the doctor must perform an amniocentesis
(AM-nee-oh-sen-TEE-sis). This involves inserting a needle
through the skin and into the uterus (womb).
The procedure is generally recommended when there's a
chance of certain conditions in the baby. It's more likely to
be done if you are older than 35 or have a family member who
was born with a problem. It's also done to find out if the
baby's lungs are fully developed.
Amniocentesis can be performed anytime after the first 14
weeks of pregnancy. It takes between 15 and 30
minutes.
Risks
Most of the time amniocentesis is problem-free, but there
are some risks to consider. You or the baby could possibly be
injured by the needle. You also could get an infection or go
into early labor. If the labor can't be stopped, you could
deliver the baby prematurely, and the baby might die.
Nevertheless, an amniocentesis is the only way of
discovering certain problems, so the benefits often outweigh
the very small risk involved.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Before you
go
If you have a cold or flu, or develop a high temperature
just before the amniocentesis is scheduled, check with your
doctor. The procedure may have to be put off until you
recover.
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following procedures and equipment
during your stay.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Fetal Heart Monitoring: A loose fitting belt with a
small metal disc may be placed around your abdomen to
monitor the baby. The disc sends signals to a TV-like
screen that shows a tracing of the baby's
heartbeat.
-
Abdominal Ultrasound: This painless test uses sound
waves to view the inside of your abdomen. Pictures of the
area show up on a TV-like screen.
-
Activity: Your doctor will say when it's OK to get
out of bed. If you feel weak or dizzy when you get up, sit
or lie down right away, then call a
nurse.
-
Anesthetic: To dull the pain of the amniocentesis
needle, a nurse will put a shot of anesthetic into the skin
of your abdomen just before the
procedure.
-
Laboratory Tests: The amniotic fluid removed from
your uterus will be sent to the lab.
-
Bandage: After the needle is removed, a bandage will
be put on the needle site.
After You
Leave
-
Leave the small bandage on
your abdomen. It will keep the area clean and dry to
prevent infection.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You develop pain or cramping
in your abdomen.
-
You have chills or a high
temperature.
-
You have bleeding from your
vagina.
-
You notice a change in the
frequency of the baby's movements---either more or less
movement than before the procedure.
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