You Need to Know About Amniocentesis Tests in Pregnancy

When you first become pregnant, you may discuss a variety of examinations with your doctor. One of the major tests recommended time and time again is the amniocentesis test. Many women do not want this test because they believe it is the major cause of miscarriages. However, this has not been proven and the data regarding this test and its connection to miscarriages is now over 20 years old.

The following information will help you, and your partner decides whether an amniocentesis test is right for you and this pregnancy. The ultimate decision to have this type of test or any test is up to you and you can only make recommendations and information from your research and your doctor.  

What Are The Amniocentesis Tests? 

This is a test to study and classify the amniotic fluid that surrounds a baby in the womb. This fluid is filled with various cells that can give clues to the health and well-being of your baby before it is born.

The testing of this fluid will determine if your baby has any severe illnesses, diseases or predispositions to disorders that will affect him or her for the rest of their life. The test will not guarantee a healthy baby, no test or doctor can give you this promise. The test will help parents plan for the future.

What will an Amniocentesis Test Look For?

This test, which is not painful for the mother, will take about 30 ml of fluid, and be studied for various illnesses. Some, but not all of the tests include diseases that are hereditary, such as Huntington's Disease, Sickle Cell Disease, or Cystic Fibrosis. Other illnesses include Down Syndrome, Trisomy 21 (a chromosome abnormality) and NTD (Neural Tube Defect).

What Are The Benefits of Amniocentesis Test? 

As with all tests, the results are not conclusive and could give a false positive or show a negative when there is actually a positive gene present for a certain illness. The benefit of an Amniocentesis Test is to prepare a mother and her partner for the birth of their child. Most parents are not prepared to care for a child that has a birth defect. The test will also allow hospital staff to be prepared for a baby born with special needs. Not all hospitals are set up to have a newborn that needs surgery or other immediate help.

Things to Think About Before Amniocentesis Testing

Having an Amniocentesis Test is a personal decision. There are several things you, and your partner will need to think about before going through with such a test. They are:

1. What the test might reveal about the baby
2. The need to prepare for a baby with special needs
3. The chance of passing on a genetic or family illness to your baby
4. Your age

The Risks of an Amniocentesis Test

The risks of an Amniocentesis Test are minimal for miscarriage, infection, and bleeding. These are not all the risks, but the most common. Your doctor will tell you more about the testing procedure and why you should or should not consider the test.