Amniocentesis: All You Want to Know
Published On - February 16, 2022
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test that may be performed during pregnancy to determine if your baby has an inherited chromosomal or genetic condition. It can also help doctors determine if the baby has any risk of birth defects.
If your doctor has ordered amniocentesis in Kolkata, it’s a good idea to learn more about this test, including how the procedure is done and the amniocentesis cost in Kolkata. And that’s what we’ll discuss in this post here.
What is Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a procedure performed during pregnancy in which a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus is obtained through a long needle inserted into the uterus through the abdomen. It is most commonly performed at 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy but can be done as early as 14 weeks and as late as 22 or 23 weeks. Amniocentesis is recommended for women who have an increased risk of carrying a baby with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome.
If your screening tests indicate that you are at higher risk for carrying a baby with certain chromosomal disorders, your doctor may recommend that you undergo amniocentesis to determine whether the baby has one of these disorders. The earlier in pregnancy you have an amniocentesis, the more likely it is that you will have time to make decisions about your pregnancy if your baby does have one of these disorders. For example, many women choose to terminate an affected pregnancy; others choose to continue the pregnancy and prepare for their child’s special needs. Still, others decide to wait until after birth to learning about their child’s health status.
How the Test is Performed?
The amniocentesis needle is inserted through the abdomen, not through the vagina. To perform amniocentesis, you’ll lie on your back on an exam table. The doctor will clean your abdomen with an antiseptic and inject a local anesthetic medication to numb the area.
The doctor will use ultrasound (sonogram) to guide the needle into your uterus and into the amniotic sac. Ultrasound also helps the doctor determine where to avoid inserting the needle so it doesn’t injure your baby or placenta.
Once the needle is properly placed in the amniotic sac, fluid will be removed with a syringe attached to the needle. You might feel some brief cramping during this part of the procedure, but it shouldn’t be painful. The needle is then removed and pressure applied to stop any bleeding at the insertion site.
Who Needs Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that diagnoses chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome, as well as a number of genetic disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy and cystic fibrosis.
The test is usually offered to women who are at increased risk of carrying a baby with a chromosomal or genetic abnormality, but it can also be used to determine the maturity of the baby’s lungs or to diagnose an infection in the amniotic fluid.
So, if you have a family history of genetic diseases, previous pregnancies with abnormal results, or are carrying multiples, your doctor may recommend an amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis Cost in Kolkata:
When it comes to amniocentesis cost in Kolkata, there’s no one number. It varies from one clinic to another; some could be cheap, while others are expensive. So, it’s best to find a reputed diagnostic center that offers amniocentesis in Kolkata and ask about their pricing.
Final Words:
Because amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) take a sample of your baby’s tissues, you might be concerned about the risks involved. But studies have shown that those risks are very small, and there is no increased risk for the fetus if you have early amniocentesis or CVS. However, amniocentesis and CVS do carry some risks to the mother. So, ideally, you want to consult your doctor and address all your questions before the test.
