Gourt > Health > Reproductive Health > Pregnancy and Birth > Prenatal Testing > Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis, or an Amniotic Fluid Test (AFT), is a medical procedure used for prenatal diagnosis, in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the amnion around a developing fetus. It is usually offered when there may be an increased risk for genetic conditions (i.e., Down syndrome, sickle-cell disease, cystic fibrosis, etc) in the pregnancy.
Amniocentesis can be done as soon as there is enough amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus that a sample can be removed safely. Early amniocentesis can be performed as early as 13 weeks gestation. Standard amniocentesis is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation. Results take about two weeks. Often, genetic counseling is done before amniocentesis, or other types of genetic testing, is offered.
Risks
Amniocentesis is slightly less risky to the child than chorionic villus sampling although villus sampling can be done earlier. Amniocentesis done in the second trimester is often said to have a risk of foetal death between about 1 in 400 and 1 in 200. More on [ Amniocentesis ]
Testing and Counseling :: Human
RT @ICANtweets: VBAC is statistically safer than routine amniocentesis.
lepetitowlet (Le Petit Owlet) Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:51:33 -0000
RT @ICANtweets: VBAC is statistically safer than routine amniocentesis.
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healthcareintl (HealthCare Intl.) Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:48:07 -0000
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healthnewsblogs (Health News Blogs) Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:48:03 -0000
#health #healthcare Vacuum Tube Technique May Simp
AmnioNet - Information on fetal health and development and prenatal diagnosis with emphasis on early, safe wellness amniocentesis and high resolution ultrasound imaging.
Meta Description: [ The AmnioNet Fetal Health Resource provides the latest information on fetal development, amniocentesis, prenatal diagnosis, and super resolution 3D ultrasonic imaging for patients, students, and health care professionals.Diagnostic Ultrasound Consultants is located near Chicago, Illinois, conveni... ]
Baby Center - Overview of this procedure, glossary and related links. Includes a section to post related comments.
Prenatal Diagnosis - Handout from American Academy of Family Physicians provides a general overview of amniocentesis and CVS.
| Amniocentesis |
