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Amniocentesis used to determine birth defects

To Have Amniocentesis Or Not

During pregnancy most women worry if their baby will be ok or if they will have any problems or birth defects. Amniocentesis is used to determine birth defects. Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the abdomen and fluid from the amniotic sac is drawn out. This test is often used to detect birth defects such as chromosome abnormalities, neural tube defects, and genetic disorders.

Amniocentesis is usually performed in weeks 15 through 18 of the pregnancy. Amniocentesis is an optional procedure used in testing for birth defects because it does put the baby at risk. The most common risk mentioned is miscarriage. Though the number of miscarriages from this procedure is not high, they do happen. These can occur due to water breaking, and infection, or induction of labor. Other problems with amniocentesis are minor complications such as cramping, minor pain at puncture sight, or sometimes vaginal bleeding.

The reason amniocentesis is used to determine birth defects is because it has a high accuracy rate, usually 98 to 99 percent. The procedure is usually safe and not that painful. It takes about five minutes to collect the fluid, but the entire procedure takes about 45 minutes.

The decision to have amniocentesis performed to check from birth defects is a tough one. Many parents choose not to have the procedure because the results will not differ their love for their baby. They figure they will handle whatever is presented to them. Others perform the test so they will know and be able to start preparing for a special needs child.

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