- Routine Pregnancy Scans
- About Routine Pregnancy Scans
- Early Pregnancy Scan
- Nuchal Scan
- Anomaly Scan
- Welfare Scan
- Down Syndrome Screening
- About Down Syndrome
- Nuchal Scan
- Combined Blood Test
- Integrated Test
- Quadruple Test
- Pregnancy Monitoring
- Welfare Scan
- Welfare + Cervical Scan
- Doppler Ultrasound
- Fetal Heart Scan
- Presentation Scan
- Fibronectin Test
- Premature Birth Screening
- Genetic Testing
- CVS
- Amniocentesis
- Expert Scan & Opinion
- Premature Birth Screening
- Fetal Medicine Consultation
- Consultation
- Fetal Heart Scan
- Other Pregnancy Scans
- Pregnancy Follow Up
- Gender Identification
- Gynaecological Scans
- About Gynae Scans
- Gynaecological Scan
- Ovarian Cancer Screening
- Pelvic Scan
- Fertility Scans
- About Fertility Scans
- Follicle Tracking Scan
- Endometrial Scans
- Ovulation Scans
- Ultrasound Information
- Pregnancy Abnormalities
- Gynaecological Problems
| Amniocentesis |
16 Weeks of Pregnancy OnwardsClick on a question to take you to the answer.
What is an Amniocentesis?
What is an Amniocentesis? The sample is then analysed in a laboratory to diagnose any genetic abnormalities of your unborn baby. Because the cells in this fluid come from your baby, genetic analysis of the fluid will give the same result as if the fetus itself were examined.
Why would I need an Amniocentesis? However you may wish to have an Amniocentesis performed for your own peace of mind. The choice about whether to have an Amniocentesis or not is up to you. More information on Down Syndrome Screening and diagnostic tests can be found on our About Down Syndrome Screening page.
What is usually diagnosed from an Amniocentesis? An Amniocentesis can also used to obtain a sample for Pre-Natal Paternity Testing.
What additional genetic disorders can be diagnosed from an Amniocentesis? Genetic testing can also be perfomed for other identifiable problems at additional cost. These supplemantary tests can be included if there is a family history or other children have been born with the condition. A consultation with one of our Fetal Medicine Specialists or a Consultant Geneticist will be necessary before proceeding with any of the following additional tests:
What happens during an Amniocentesis? During the Amniocentesis the consultant will pass a fine needle through your tummy into the amniotic fluid inside your pregnancy sac. Although this may sound frightening to some in reality the procedure is usually very straighforward, and is performed under continuous ultrasound vision to avoid any threat to your baby. Discomfort is minimal so no anaesthetic is required. The doctor will then draw up a tiny amount of amniotic fluid into a syringe. Much of the appointment time is taken up with preparation and counselling. The actual Amniocentesis procedure only takes one or two minutes to perform and is usually over before you realise it.
When can I have an Amniocentesis?
What are the risks when having an Amniocentesis? Because an Amniocentesis is performed later in pregnancy when miscarriages are less likely to occur naturally the risk may be lower than if a CVS was performed in early pregnancy.
What are the success rates of your consultants performing the Amniocentesis?
How is the sample from an Amniocentesis analysed? The sample is analysed using a process known as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to obtain a preliminary result. The specimen is then set up in a culture for karyotyping that usually produces an identical result to the intial PCR.
When will I receive the results of my an Amniocentesis? Results from a full analysis of other requested chromosomal anomalies can take up to 2 weeks. Most genetic testing produces a definite answer, however in 1 of 1000 cases the results may prove inconclusive so further consultation or testing may be required. This is 10 times less likely than if a CVS were performed.
Do I need to make any preparations before an Amniocentesis? Please bring written confirmation of your blood group to your Amniocentesis appointment. If you are unable to provide documented evidence of your blood group you will need to have a blood type test performed at additional cost. You do not need to fast before having an Amniocentesis.
Anything else I should know about the Amniocentesis? If you'd like to know the gender of your baby please tell the consultant during your appointment as gender isn't routinely reported unless requested. Please note that we will not perform an Amniocentesis solely for the purposes of Gender Identification.
What is my next scan after the Amniocentesis? Before 20 weeks your next scan will be the 20 Week Anomaly Scan. If you have your Amniocentesis after the 20 Week Anomaly Scan you may not need any further scans. Otherwise your Consultant or Midwife may refer you for one or more Welfare Scans, or you may choose to have a 4D Baby Scan from 24 weeks (20 weeks for twins).
How do I book an Amniocentesis? The procedure is only performed by qualified Consultants on certain days so please be prepared to be flexible with your booking date. Because of the preparation required for this procedure we usually ask for a £100 deposit to secure a CVS appointment. |