Purpose of amniocentesis

Amniocentesis - NHS

Amniocentesis is a test you may be offered during pregnancy to check if your baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition, such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome.

It involves removing and testing a small sample of cells from amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb (uterus).

When amniocentesis is offered

Amniocentesis is not offered to all pregnant women. It's only offered if there's a higher chance your baby could have a genetic condition.

This could be because:

an antenatal screening test has suggested your baby may be born with a condition, such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome
you have had a previous pregnancy that was affected by a genetic condition
you have a family history of a genetic condition, such as sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy

It's important to remember that you do not have to have amniocentesis if it's offered. It's up to you to decide whether you want it.

A midwife or doctor will speak to you about what the test involves and let you know what the possible benefits and risks are to help you make a decision.

Find out about why amniocentesis is offered and deciding whether to have it

How amniocentesis is performed

Amniocentesis is usually carried out between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, but you can have it later if necessary.

It can be performed earlier, but this may increase the risk of complications of amniocentesis and is usually avoided.

During the test, a long, thin needle is inserted through your abdominal wall, guided by an ultrasound image.

The needle is passed into the amniotic sac that surrounds your baby and a small sample of amniotic fluid is removed for analysis.

The test itself usually takes about 10 minutes, although the whole consultation may take about 30 minutes.

Amniocentesis is usually described as being uncomfortable rather than painful.

Some women describe experiencing a pain similar to period pain or feeling pressure when the needle is taken out.

Find out more about what happens during amniocentesis

Getting your results

The first results of the test should be available within 3 working days and will tell you whether Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome has been discovered.

If rarer conditions are also being tested for, it can take 3 weeks or more for the results to come back.

If your test shows that your baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition, the implications will be fully discussed with you.

There's no cure for most of the conditions amniocentesis finds, so you'll need to consider your options carefully.

You may choose to continue with your pregnancy, while gathering information about the condition so you're fully prepared.

Find out more about having a baby that might be born with a condition

Or you may consider ending your pregnancy (having a termination).

Find out more about the results of amniocentesis

What are the risks of amniocentesis?

Before you decide to have amniocentesis, the risks and possible complications will be discussed with you.

One of the main risks associated with amniocentesis is miscarriage, which is the loss of the pregnancy in the first 23 weeks.

This is estimated to occur in up to 1 out of every 200 women who have amniocentesis.

There are also some other risks, such as infection or needing to have the procedure again because it was not possible to accurately test the first sample.

The risk of amniocentesis causing complications is higher if it's carried out before the 15th week of pregnancy, which is why the test is only done after this point.

Find out more about the possible complications of amniocentesis

What are the alternatives?

An alternative to amniocentesis is a test called chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

This is where a small sample of cells from the placenta, the organ that links the mother's blood supply with her baby's, is removed for testing.

It's usually carried out between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, although it can be performed later than this if necessary.

With CVS, the risk of miscarriage is similar to the risk of miscarriage for amniocentesis (up to 1 out of every 200).

As the test can be carried out earlier, you'll have more time to consider the results.

If you're offered tests to look for a genetic or chromosomal condition in your baby, a specialist involved in carrying out the test will be able to discuss the different options with you and help you make a decision.

Page last reviewed: 12 October 2022
Next review due: 12 October 2025

Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Recovery & Results

Overview

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that diagnoses certain congenital disorders during pregnancy.

What is amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a prenatal testing procedure usually performed during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It can diagnose certain chromosomal conditions (such as Down syndrome) or genetic conditions (such as cystic fibrosis). During amniocentesis, your healthcare provider uses a thin needle to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus. This fluid sample then gets tested in a laboratory.

During pregnancy, the fetus grows inside the amniotic sac. Amniotic fluid surrounds and protects the fetus inside the amniotic sac. It also contains some of the fetus's cells. These cells contain genetic information that helps diagnose genetic conditions.

Who gets amniocentesis?

Your healthcare provider may recommend amniocentesis during pregnancy when:

Ultrasound testing detects a fetal abnormality.
A prenatal screening test detects an increased risk for a chromosome disorder.
Certain genetic disorders (such as sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis) run in your family or you test positive as a carrier of a genetic disorder.
You’re older than 35 at the time of delivery. This is because individuals over 35 have a higher chance of having a baby with a chromosomal disorder.

What does amniocentesis test for?

An amniocentesis test can detect chromosomal, genetic disorders or congenital disabilities (sometimes called birth defects) such as:

Down syndrome.
Tay-Sachs disease.
Neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

This test can also evaluate:

Fetal lung development: This is helpful if you need to give birth sooner than expected to protect the health of you or the fetus.
Rh disease: This is a potentially serious condition where you and the fetus have different blood Rh types.

Amniocentesis is sometimes used to treat polyhydramnios (when you have too much amniotic fluid). Providers use amniocentesis to remove excess fluid.

When is amniocentesis performed?

Most amniocentesis procedures happen between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation (during the second trimester of pregnancy). Having an amniocentesis earlier in pregnancy poses more risks, such as miscarriage.

In some cases, healthcare providers perform amniocentesis tests later in pregnancy. If your provider recommends this test to check fetal lung development or treat polyhydramnios, it will likely happen during the third trimester.

Can I choose not to have amniocentesis?

Yes. If your provider recommends you have an amniocentesis, they will explain why. Your provider (or a genetic counselor) will review the test’s risks and benefits. In the end, whether or not to have this test is up to you.

Test Details

How should I prepare for an amniocentesis?

Your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions to you for the hours or days leading up to amniocentesis. Generally, there aren’t restrictions on diet or activity. Tell your provider what medications you’re taking so they can let you know if you should stop taking them before your test. Follow any other instructions provided to you.

If you need an amniocentesis test, it’s normal to have questions. Some questions for your provider could include:

Why do you recommend I have amniocentesis?
What does amniocentesis mean for the health of the fetus and me?
What are the potential risks?
What should I do to prepare for my test?
When should I expect to get test results?
Is genetic counseling available to help me?

What are the risks of amniocentesis?

Most amniocentesis procedures are safe. But amniocentesis does present small but serious risks for both you and the fetus.

Some complications of amniocentesis are:

Cramping.
Bleeding or leaking amniotic fluid.
Injury or infection.
Loss of the pregnancy.
Premature labor.

Complications from amniocentesis are rare. In less than 1% of cases, amniocentesis leads to miscarriage or early delivery. About 2% of people have spotting or camping after amniocentesis.

Your provider can answer your questions and help you make a decision that’s best for you.

Why is there a risk of miscarriage with amniocentesis?

Miscarriage after amniocentesis is very uncommon. Possible causes could be damage to the amniotic sac or amniotic membranes, losing amniotic fluid, bleeding or infection. Discuss your risk of miscarriage with your healthcare provider before the test.

How do doctors perform amniocentesis?

Your obstetrician or perinatologist performs amniocentesis. First, you’ll lie on your back with your stomach showing. During this procedure, your healthcare provider:

Cleans a small area on your belly with an antiseptic (to kill germs).
Applies a special gel on your belly.
Moves a wand-like device over the gel to capture ultrasound images of the fetus on a nearby monitor.
Inserts a thin, hollow needle through your abdomen and uterus (into the amniotic sac but away from the fetus).
Removes a small amount of fluid through the needle.
Removes the needle from your abdomen.
Monitors the fetal heartbeat and movement on the ultrasound to ensure they weren’t affected by the procedure.

After the procedure, your healthcare provider sends the amniotic fluid sample to a lab. The lab separates the fetal cells from the amniotic fluid then analyzes the cells. The cells grow for several days in the lab before being tested for genetic conditions or neural tube defects. You should have complete test results in about two weeks.

How long does an amniocentesis take?

An amniocentesis procedure may take around 30 minutes from start to finish. But the actual sampling process (when the needle is inside your uterus) takes only a minute or two.

How painful is amniocentesis?

You may be uncomfortable or feel a sting when your healthcare provider inserts the needle through your skin. You may also have minor menstrual-like cramping during the procedure. Cramps can last for a few hours afterward.

How accurate is an amniocentesis test?

The accuracy of amniocentesis is about 99% in detecting abnormalities. However, it doesn’t measure the severity of the condition.

In some cases, certain factors (such as not collecting enough fluid during the test) may mean the lab can’t analyze the amniotic fluid as expected. This is not common.

Can amniocentesis cause autism?

No, there aren’t any studies that link autism spectrum disorder to amniocentesis.

Results and Follow-Up

When will I receive the amniocentesis results?

The time it takes to receive your results will depend on what tests the lab needs to conduct on the amniotic fluid. You may hear some information from your provider as soon as three or four days after your test. Some test results may take two weeks or longer. Genetic counseling may be available to help you understand what the results mean for your pregnancy and what your options are moving forward.

What do the results of an amniocentesis test mean?

If amniocentesis shows that the fetus has a specific health condition, your healthcare provider may refer you to a neonatologist. Remember, amniocentesis doesn’t tell you the severity of the condition, only that a condition is present. Based on the diagnosis, a neonatologist can discuss specific treatments, surgeries, or medications. You may want to discuss what kind of care your baby needs during the first days, months or years of its life.

Can I resume my usual activities after an amniocentesis test?

After an amniocentesis test, you should go home and relax for the rest of the day. You can take acetaminophen for discomfort. Avoid any activity that takes a lot of physical effort, like exercise or sex. You should feel ready to get back to your routine one or two days after the procedure.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

After an amniocentesis, call your provider if you develop:

Fever.
Vaginal bleeding.
Vaginal discharge or leakage of fluid.
Moderate to severe abdominal pain (anything worse than mild cramps).
Swelling or redness where your provider inserted the needle.

Additional Details

Is amniocentesis worth the risk?

Only you can determine if amniocentesis is worth the risk. Like most medical procedures, there is a small chance of complications. Your risk of complications depends on several factors. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risk amniocentesis poses to your pregnancy.

Having amniocentesis may help you:

Determine the best treatment for your child as early as possible.
Begin planning for a child with special needs.
Prepare for any lifestyle changes or modifications to your home.
Identify support groups and resources.

Some people decide against amniocentesis because the test results have no bearing on their decision about the pregnancy, or they don’t want to take any risks in harming the fetus.

What is the cost of an amniocentesis test?

The cost of amniocentesis varies and is dependent on whether or not you have health insurance. Talk to your insurance provider before the test to make sure you understand the out-of-pocket costs and what they are willing to cover. If you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover amniocentesis, you’ll have to pay for it yourself.

What’s the difference between amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling?

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is another test to diagnose genetic conditions during pregnancy. CVS testing takes a small sample of cells from the placenta (the organ that supplies the fetus with food and oxygen). A CVS is performed earlier in pregnancy, at 10 to 13 weeks. Amniocentesis happens after 15 weeks. Additionally, amniocentesis can test for neural tube defects, but CVS can’t detect these conditions.

Is there a less invasive test available?

Cell-free fetal DNA testing (using the pregnant person’s blood) can detect some chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. However, genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis can’t be diagnosed through this blood test. Amniocentesis is still the gold standard for the diagnosis of chromosomal and genetic disorders.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Healthcare providers perform amniocentesis tests for different reasons. Providers typically recommend amniocentesis when they believe the potential benefits of testing outweigh the small but real risks to you and your baby. This test can provide valuable information about fetal health. But you get to make the final decision on whether having an amniocentesis test is right for you. Don’t be afraid to talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. There is no wrong answer.

What is amniocentesis, indications and procedure

What is amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a specific amniotic fluid test. A study is carried out by puncturing the abdomen, the embryonic membrane in order to obtain a sample of the amniotic fluid containing fetal cells. According to the results of studies of the amniotic fluid, the doctor can determine the presence or absence of genetic diseases in the unborn child. Amniocentesis in Kyiv is successfully performed at the IPF Family Planning Institute.

Depending on the indications, several types of amniotic fluid tests are carried out:

hormonal analysis, determines the composition and amount of available hormones;
cytological - studies the cells and particles of the fetus contained in the amniotic fluid in order to detect chromosomal abnormalities;
immunological - "tell" about possible violations of the emerging immunity;
biochemical analysis will show the composition and properties of amniotic fluid;
analysis for general indicators will determine the color, transparency of the liquid, its amount.

The amniocentesis procedure can be performed at the IPF clinic. Sign up for a consultation by going to at the link in contacts.

At what stage of pregnancy can amniocentesis be done?

The study of amniotic fluid is carried out not earlier than the 14th week of pregnancy. Why? Until this time, there are not enough cells in the amniotic fluid to obtain reliable analysis results.

14 weeks of pregnancy is the earliest period at which doctors can perform an amniocentesis: at this time, it is already possible to study the chromosome set of the embryo and make sure that there are no/presence of anomalies, the most common of which is Down syndrome.

The terms of the research procedure are from 16 to 22 weeks, and since the results of the analysis do not come immediately, they are ready in a few weeks, it is better to do it at 16-17 weeks, in case of disappointing results, it is possible to terminate the pregnancy before 20 -and a weekly period.

Indications and contraindications for analysis

Indications for analysis

When a woman finds out she is pregnant, she goes to an obstetrician-gynecologist. At the appointment, the doctor collects an anamnesis, prescribes a list of tests, taking into account the duration of pregnancy.

If, at the time of data collection or the results of tests performed, the gynecologist doubts the normal course of pregnancy, the health of the fetus and its healthy development, he may suggest an amniocentesis to the pregnant woman.

What factors may warrant a procedure?

Age. A doctor may suggest an amniocentesis procedure for a pregnant woman over 35 years of age.
Burdened heredity. If during the collection of anamnesis it was found that there are genetic diseases in the family of the pregnant woman and her husband, as well as from relatives.
The woman had a baby with a chromosome abnormality in a previous pregnancy.
Ultrasound examination raised suspicions regarding the absence of anomalies.
The results of screening tests showed possible disorders that require invasive intervention to clarify. Invasive intervention is also used in case of necessary surgical treatment of the fetus, as well as in the presence of medical indications for abortion.

Contraindications for amniocentesis

The main contraindication for amniocentesis is the threat of miscarriage.

Do not perform the procedure under the following circumstances:

placental abruption;
the presence of urogenital infections;
the presence of acute inflammatory processes in the body of a woman;
tumor-like neoplasms of the muscular layers of the uterus of large sizes;
exacerbations of chronic diseases.

Poor blood clotting, abnormal development of the uterus, location of the placenta on the anterior wall of the uterus can be an obstacle to the analysis.

If a woman fears complications, she may refuse the procedure, but she must clearly understand what the consequences of such a decision may be.

Amniocentesis methods and process

Two methods of amniocentesis are known to doctors today:

The first method is called the Free Hand Method.

The procedure is carried out under ultrasound control, it is with the help of an ultrasound probe that the insertion site of the puncture needle is specified.

To avoid the risk of possible complications and the threat of miscarriage, the needle injection site is chosen where the placenta is absent or, if this is not possible, in the place where the placental wall is as thin as possible.

The second method is the “Puncture Adapter Method”.

The second method differs from the first one in that the puncture needle is fixed on the ultrasound probe, and then a trajectory is drawn along which the needle will go.

The main plus of this method is the possibility of visual visibility of the needle and its trajectory during the entire course of the procedure.

However, this method requires experience and certain professional skills from the doctor.

How long does an amniocentesis procedure take and how painful is it?

In terms of time, the procedure will take about 5 minutes, including preparation. Puncture of the abdomen with a puncture needle - 1 minute. The next step in amniocentesis is amniotic fluid sampling. The next 2 hours after the operation, the pregnant woman should be in the hospital under the supervision of doctors.

Patients do not feel any severe pain during amniocentesis, the procedure is similar to a regular injection. A slight movement in the lower abdomen can be felt at the time of amniotic fluid sampling.

Many pregnant women, driven by a sense of fear, ask for pain relief. Yes, local anesthesia can be used, but doctors have noticed that anesthetic injections cause more discomfort than the amniocentesis procedure itself, and therefore gynecologists recommend women not to do anesthesia.

Most women agree, because it is better to endure one injection instead of two.

How is the amniocentesis procedure performed?

The procedure takes place in an office equipped with an ultrasound machine. The gynecologist invites the pregnant woman to lie down and expose her belly. The puncture site on the abdomen is treated with an antiseptic - iodine or alcohol. The next step - the doctor, using an ultrasound machine, determines the most successful place for a puncture: the point of insertion of the needle should be away from the baby and from the placenta.

When looking for a good point, the gynecologist may ask the pregnant woman to turn on one side, then on the other - it all depends on the position of the fetus in the uterus and the location of the placenta.

That's it, a good point has been found: the doctor inserts a thin puncture needle, pierces the skin of the abdomen and enters the membrane surrounding the amniotic fluid. The sampling of amniotic fluid is carried out under ultrasound control - about 2 tablespoons are taken for analysis. Future babies do not feel a lack of amniotic fluid, and soon its amount is replenished.

What if I am Rh negative and the baby's father is Rh positive?

If a pregnant woman has a negative Rh factor, and the father of the child has a positive Rh factor, then after the amniocentesis procedure, the pregnant woman is given a special drug that prevents the immune conflict between the body of the mother and the unborn child.

What happens after the amniocentesis?

After the amniotic fluid collection procedure, the specialist will show the baby on the screen of the ultrasound machine, and the woman herself will be able to make sure that nothing happened to the baby.

A few hours after the procedure, the doctor observes the patient, then the pregnant woman can go home. The rest of the day is recommended to be spent in peace, it is advisable for a working woman to take a day off. 2-3 days after the procedure, gynecologists advise not to lift weights, refrain from sex, air travel is not recommended in the next few days.

One to two days after the amniocentesis, the woman may experience mild abdominal cramps. There is no cause for concern - this is normal after the procedure.

It is urgent to consult a gynecologist if:

spasms become pronounced, intensify and become frequent;
bleeding from the vagina;
profuse watery discharge began to stand out.

Amniocentesis - how to take the test results?

The test results are within the normal range, they say that your baby is all right - the chromosome set of the unborn child is formed normally, there are no signs of a neural tube defect. The test is quite accurate and informative, but, nevertheless, it should be remembered that no one will give a 100% guarantee about the birth of an absolutely healthy child.

If the test showed that the fetus has congenital malformations, the development takes place with pathologies - a pregnant woman and her husband will have to make a very difficult decision. In some cases, the decision depends on various facts - on the type of defect, the partner's reaction to unpleasant news, the woman's personal reaction to what happened.

Naturally, many women have questions:

Should I continue this pregnancy?

If a fetus is found to have a serious defect, some women undergo a medical abortion. Others decide to have a baby with a defect.

Where is the best place to give birth?

If the fetus is found to have a defect that requires surgical intervention at birth, childbirth should only take place in specialized clinics where doctors know how to act, where to provide such services - not new.

For a baby with a disability, which is better: natural delivery or caesarean section?

The results of the amniocentesis will show whether a caesarean section is needed and whether the baby is ready for delivery.

Amniocentesis - is there a similar test?

Chorionic villus sampling may be an alternative to amniocentesis in the first trimester of pregnancy. With the help of this test, the presence / absence of Down syndrome and other genetic diseases in the future baby can be detected in early pregnancy. But, this test does not detect neural tube defects.

Modern research has confirmed that both amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling cause the same percentage of miscarriages.

Even if the procedures are carried out by experienced graduates, spontaneous abortions occur in 400 cases - 1.

Other studies show an increased risk of 2 or even 4 miscarriages per 400 cases. These statistics are in medical centers where specialists are less professional, where such procedures are not often performed, especially chorionic villus biopsy.

IPF specialists are highly qualified, and therefore the risk of spontaneous miscarriage after procedures in our clinic is minimal.

Amniocentesis - possible risk during test

In most cases, the amniocentesis procedure is quite safe. The reaction of women to the results of a test, which can show that the fetus has a congenital pathology, an inherited disease, or Down's syndrome, is more unpredictable than the possible risks of the procedure. But, nevertheless, certain risks exist:

If an inexperienced specialist undertakes the procedure, he can prick the mother or fetus with a needle. To reduce this risk, ultrasound is used to accurately guide the puncture needle. It happens that during the procedure the placenta is pierced, but it is quickly restored.
There is a risk of infection in the amniotic sac - this happens 1 in 1000 cases.
Miscarriages. According to statistics, when amniocentesis is performed by experienced specialists, the risk of spontaneous abortion is 1 in 400 cases. Sometimes miscarriages after the procedure are not related to the procedure itself, the problem may lie in the course of pregnancy or in the fetus itself.
If the procedure is carried out before the 15th week, there is a risk of developing clubfoot in the unborn child.
There is a risk that maternal and fetal blood will mix during amniocentesis. This fact can cause concern only when the mother and fetus have different Rh factors (the mother has a negative Rh factor) and there is a possibility of Rh sensitization, that is, an increased sensitivity of the body to the effects of various factors. To avoid such a risk, a woman is given a special vaccine after the procedure that prevents this risk.

Amniocentesis: purpose, procedure and risks

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When you're pregnant, the words "test" or "procedure" can sound alarming. Rest assured you are not alone. But knowing why certain things are recommended and how they work can be very helpful.

Let's break down what amniocentesis is and why you might choose it.

Remember that your doctor is your partner on this journey, so tell him about any concerns and ask as many questions as you need.

contents

What is amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a doctor removes a small amount of amniotic fluid from the uterus. The amount of liquid removed usually does not exceed one ounce.

Amniotic fluid surrounds your baby in the womb. This fluid contains some of your baby's cells and is used to determine if your baby has a genetic disorder. This type of amniocentesis is usually done in the second trimester, usually after the 15th week.

It can also be used to determine if your baby's lungs are mature enough to survive outside the uterus. This type of amniocentesis will be done later in the pregnancy.

Your doctor will use a long, thin needle to collect a small amount of amniotic fluid. This fluid surrounds and protects the baby while it is in the uterus.

The lab technician will then test the fluid for certain genetic disorders, including Down syndrome, spina bifida, and cystic fibrosis.

Test results can help you decide if you are pregnant. In the third trimester, the test can also show if your baby is mature enough or not.

It is also helpful to determine if you need to do this ahead of time to prevent pregnancy complications.

Why is amniocentesis recommended?

Abnormal prenatal test results are one of the most common reasons you might consider amniocentesis. Amniocentesis can help your doctor confirm or refute any signs of abnormalities found during the screening test.

If you have had a child with a birth defect or a serious abnormality of the brain or spinal cord called a neural tube defect, an amniocentesis can check to see if your unborn child also has the disease.

If you are 35 or older, your child is at increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Amniocentesis can reveal these abnormalities.

If you or your partner are known carriers of a genetic disorder such as cystic fibrosis, an amniocentesis may detect the presence of this disorder in your unborn child.

Complications during pregnancy may require preterm delivery. A maturity amniocentesis can help you determine if your baby's lungs are mature enough for the baby to survive outside the uterus.

Your doctor may also recommend an amniocentesis if they suspect your unborn baby has an infection or anemia, or if they think you have a uterine infection.

If necessary, the procedure can also be performed to reduce the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus.

How is amniocentesis performed?

This test is an outpatient procedure, so you do not need to stay in the hospital. Your doctor will first do an ultrasound to determine the exact position of your baby in the uterus.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of your unborn baby. The bladder must be full during the ultrasound, so drink plenty of fluids before the examination.

After the ultrasound, the doctor may apply damaged medication to the abdomen. The results of the ultrasound will give them a safe place to insert the needle.

They will then insert a needle through your abdomen and into your uterus, removing a small amount of amniotic fluid. This part of the procedure usually takes about 2 minutes.

Amniotic fluid genetic test results are usually available within a few days.

Your baby's lung maturity test results are usually available within a few hours.

What complications are associated with amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is usually recommended between 16 and 20 weeks, i. e. in the second trimester. Although complications may occur, we rarely experience them.

The risk of miscarriage is up to 3 percent if you have a procedure in the second trimester, according to the Mayo Clinic. The risk is slightly higher if the test is done before 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Complications associated with amniocentesis include the following:

colic
a small amount of vaginal bleeding
leakage of amniotic fluid from the body (this is rare)
infection of the uterus (also rare)

such as hepatitis C or HIV to an unborn child.

Rarely, this test may cause some of your child's blood cells to enter the bloodstream. This is important because there is a type of protein called the Rh factor. If you have this protein, your blood is Rh positive.

If you do not have this protein, your blood is Rh negative. It is possible that you and your child have different Rh classes. If this is the case and the blood mixes with your baby's, your body may react as if it were allergic to your baby's blood.

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