Current Price: $1.91
Amniocentesis Guide
- Summary
- Definition
- Considerations
- Other Names
- How the Test is Performed
- How the Test will Feel
- How to Prepare for the Test
- Normal Results
- Risks
- What Abnormal Results Mean
- Why the Test is Performed
Definition
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure performed by inserting a hollow needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus and withdrawing a small amount of fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus.
Other Names
How the Test is Performed
The exact location of the fetus is determined, usually by ultrasound (see pregnancy ultrasound ). The skin of the abdomen is scrubbed and a topical anesthetic may be applied, or a local anesthetic may be injected into the skin. A long, thin needle is inserted through the abdomen and into the uterus. A small amount of fluid is taken from the fluid-filled sac surrounding the fetus (usually about 1 cc. per week of gestation).
Keep reading...
Encyclopedia: Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis , is a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of genetic abnormalities and fetal infections, in which a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal tissues, is extracted from the amnion or amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus, and the fetal DNA is examined for genetic abnormalities. Before the actual procedure, a local anesthetic is sometimes given to relieve the pain when inserting the needle used to withdraw...
Pregnancy Care Planner
Whether you're planning to have a baby, are already pregnant, or your new baby has just arrived, this new interactive pregnancy planner is for you. It's the perfect way to find out all you need to have a healthy and happy pregnancy and to make sure you get the care that's right for you. NHS, the UK's government sponsored health service provides this and many other authorititative health guides.
Question and Answer
amniocentesis?
I am 20 years old and I know that an amniocentesis is not typically performed...
I am 20 years old and I know that an amniocentesis is not typically performed...
Many of the people answering are misinformed. There's about a one in 500 chance (.2%, not 2%) chance of miscarriage due to amnio. Compare that with about a 25% chance...
Asked by Chloe - 357 days ago
Has anyone had an amniocentesis to detect fetal lung development?
I have an appointment monday, I will be exactly 36 weeks, to get an amniocentesis...
I have an appointment monday, I will be exactly 36 weeks, to get an amniocentesis...
I had an amniocentesis at 35 weeks to check fetal lung maturity. I had the test done on a Thursday and it showed her lungs were not yet mature....
Asked by dsrrae03 - 7 months ago
Forum Search
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hemangioma and amniocentesis
pregnant I was practiced the amniocentesis because of my age 38. Also have another child of 5 and she with your help: Did anyone without having had amniocentesis practiced had a baby with hemangioma? May
Jun 04, 2008
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Amniocentesis Procedure
I am scheduled for an amniocentesis this week. I am told that the facility where it will be done in is no more painful than an injection, but others say it is painful. Has anyone had an amniocentesis
Mar 05, 2007
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Amniocentesis
something, they will check it "either by ultrasound or amniocentesis." he didn't really explain Have any of you had one? I did the blood screening test the other day for down syndrome and...
Mar 24, 2006
Conception Slideshow
See a slideshow illustrating conception on a microscopic level
Fetal Development Slide Show
See how a baby develops within the womb week-by-week with this fetal development slide show.
Fetal Positions Slide Show
Educate yourself on the various positions a baby lies while inside the womb with the fetal positions slide show. Also learn about the different ways a baby may enter the birth canal during labor.
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Price: $18.75
The book, "Testing Women, Testing the Fetus : The Social Impact of Amniocentesis in America", by Rayna Rapp (Edition: 99).
