Why the risks are not as high as you think
WHAT IS IT?
Amniocentesis is a prenatal test where a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is withdrawn. It’s mostly used for testing of genetic conditions, but can also be used to check if a baby’s lungs are ready in case you need to have a preterm delivery for any reason.
WHEN AND HOW IS IT DONE FOR GENETIC CONDITIONS?
Amniocentesis is usually done between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. After the abdomen is cleaned with sterile fluid, and using a sonar as a guide, a needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the uterus, and between 10 to 20ml (less than four teaspoons) of amniotic fluid is drawn up. When done for lung maturity, it is performed in the late third trimester.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Our bodies are made up of thousands of cells which contain the genetic material. This is made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes which hold the genes responsible for everything about us – not only how we look, but everything about us, including how our bodies function.
We naturally lose skin cells everyday (notice the ring around the bath and basin, or dry skin flaking off) and so does the unborn baby. A sample of the amniotic fluid contains the baby’s cells, and these are extracted and analysed in the laboratory.
WHO DOES THE AMNIOCENTESIS?
A skilled obstetrician, foetal medicine specialist, or an experienced radiologist.
DOES IT HURT? DO I HAVE A LOCAL ANAESTHETIC?
A local anaesthetic is not used, because the amniocentesis is relatively quick.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October/November 2017 من Your Pregnancy.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October/November 2017 من Your Pregnancy.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.
