Amniocentesis

                           I was 38  when we decided to have Ryan and Ashlei, because of this I was advised to have an amniocentesis test.

                          I was firstly given an ultrasound to determine whether I was at high risk of abnormalities, this ultrasound is used to evaluate;

n      Foetal development

n      Foetal heart rate

n      Tone

n      Amniotic fluid volume

n      Foetal activity levels

                        If abnormalities are detected further tests in the form of blood test or amniocentesis are required. Even though my ultrasound came back at a low risk of abnormalities, my Doctor advised for me to have an amniocentesis because of my age.

                      An amniocentesis is performed between 15-18 weeks of pregnancy. This procedure is done with the assistance of an ultrasound; the Doctor will find a pocket of amniotic fluid making sure the baby will not be touched. A site will be marked on your tummy and a local anaesthetic will be injected. This will be done as a sterile procedure. With the help of the ultrasound, a thin hollow needle is inserted through the abdomen into the uterus. My Doctor then put a thin tubing through the needle so he could pull the needle out, leaving the tubing in he then removed a small amount of amniotic fluid. This will then be sent away for testing.

                    The test felt uncomfortable but it did not hurt. They say some women may experience cramping but I was lucky and never had any.

                    An amniocentesis test can pick up abnormalities, these are;

n      Down syndrome

n      Fragile X

n      Cystic fibrosis

n      Myotonic dystrophy

n      Mitochondrial disorders

n      Turner syndrome

n      Tay-sachs disease

n      Sickle cell disease or sickle cell anaemia

               Chemicals in the fluid can also be tested for neural tube defects, such as;

n      Spina bifida

n      Anencephaly

n      Conditions that affect a child’s metabolism

                  This procedure carries some risks; 1 in every 100 women will miscarry, if the Doctor loses sight of the needle there could be foetus or umbilical cord damage and there is also the risk of infection.

                 Make sure you take it nice and easy for a few days after the test. If you have any concerns contact your doctor immediately. The test results will take about 2-3 weeks to return.

                 I hope this helps………………