Obstetrics
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure in which under a constant ultrasound control the amniotic sac is punctured using a special needle and a syringe.
The aim is to obtain a certain amount of amniotic fluid which is sent for a subsequent laboratory analysis - genetic, viral, etc.
Amniocentesis can be performed only after 16+0 weeks of gestation.
The procedure is relatively painfree, takes about a minute to be performed, does not require any special preparation and does not cary any practical risk for the pregnant woman.
The results are usually ready in about 1 to 3 weeks according to the type of the analysis performed. When a DNA (PCR) analysis is carried out the most common chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus can be ruled out in up to 5 working days.
In amniocentesis the risk of a miscarriage is increased to about 0.5-1%. This means in a group of a 100 to 200 pregnant women undergoing the procedure, one procedure-related miscarriage will be observed. This is the reason why invasive prenatal diagnosis should be performed for a strict indication and only after a written consent from has been signed by the pregnant woman.
Anti-D gamma-globulin injection is administered if the patient is rhesus negative.
For more information regarding the possibilities of having an amniocentesis at MC MARKOVS, please contact your doctor or call at the registration desk.
