Amniocentesis refers to a procedure in which doctors remove the fluid called ‘amniotic fluid’ from your uterus. This procedure is done for examination or treatment. Amniotic fluid works to protect your baby during pregnancy.
This fluid surrounds your baby. It contains different proteins and fetal cells. You can get much valuable information about the health of your baby through amniocentesis. But it is necessary to know about the risks of this procedure. You should be prepared to receive results.
How Do People Prepare?
If doctors have done amniocentesis before the twenty weeks of your pregnancy, it will help make your bladder full to support your uterus when they do the procedure. We advise you to drink many fluids before the appointment.
Make sure to have an empty bladder after 20 weeks of pregnancy during amniocentesis to minimize the chances of risks. Puncture is the main expected risk during this procedure. A healthcare provider discusses the procedure with you in detail.
He will also ask you to sign a specific consent before the start of the procedure. Ask someone to give you emotional support after the procedure.
During The Procedure
Doctors do an ultrasound first to know the exact location of your baby in the uterus. You have to lie on your back and expose your abdomen on an exam table. A healthcare provider applies a gel to the area of your abdomen.
After this, he/she uses a small device known as an ultrasound transducer to show your baby’s position on a screen or monitor. Now, your healthcare provider will use an antiseptic to clean your abdomen. Generally, doctors do not use anesthetics.
Most women reported mild levels of discomfort during the procedure. Using the guidelines of ultrasound, doctors try to insert a hollow needle that is thin in the area of the uterus through the abdominal wall. A syringe is used to withdraw a small amount of fluid that is amniotic fluid.
After this, the doctor will remove the needle. The withdrawal of a specific amount of fluid is associated with the number of weeks your pregnancy has progressed. You have to lie still when the doctor inserts the needle and withdraws amniotic fluid.
When the doctor inserts a needle in your skin, you might feel the sensation of stinging. Some women feel cramping when a doctor inserts a needle in the area of their uterus.
After Amniocentesis
After the amniocentesis procedure, a healthcare provider will use ultrasound to continuously monitor your baby’s heart rate. You may feel a mild level of pelvic discomfort and sometimes cramping after this procedure.
You are allowed to resume your normal activity level after the procedure. But we advise you to avoid certain strenuous exercises. Try to avoid sexual activity also for one or two days. Doctors send the amniotic fluid sample into the lab for analysis.
You will get some results within a few days. Other results take three to four weeks. Some women may notice certain symptoms after the procedure. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice the following symptoms.
- Fever for more than two or three days
- Loss of your vaginal bleeding
- Amniotic fluid loss through the area of your vagina
- Inflammation at the area where the doctor has inserted the needle
- Redness at the affected area
- Less fetal movements
- Unusual fetal activities
If you are facing severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Do not treat the complicated symptoms at home. It is important to report your healthcare provider immediately for the health and life protection of your baby.
In case of ignorance, you may experience complicated symptoms and unwanted results. The procedure is not very dangerous, but it is important to take all the necessary precautions for your self and your baby’s safety.
We advise you to go to the hospital immediately if fetal movements are less or if you are feeling pain in the abdominal or vaginal area. The color of amniotic fluid might be clear or yellow. This fluid should be present around your baby in a normal quantity.
It works to protect your baby from injury. Moreover, it also protects the fetus against infections. The procedure is not usually painful. But if you feel much pain, tell your healthcare provider to take effective treatment on time.
