What is Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is when a doctor removes some of the fluid that surrounds a baby (amniotic fluid) so it can be tested. Testing the fluid can help your doctor learn about the baby.
What happens before the procedure?
- Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.
- Have someone drive you home after the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- You may be asked to put on a gown.
- You will be asked to lie down on a table.
- An
ultrasound test will be done. In this test:
- A gel will be put on your belly (abdomen).
- A wand will be held up to your belly. It will take pictures of your baby.
- A solution will be put on your belly. Do nottouch this area until the procedure is done.
- You may be given a medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic). It is normal to get cramps during the procedure, even after getting this medicine.
- A needle will be put into the belly.
- The needle will remove some of the fluid around your baby.
- The needle will be taken out.
- A bandage (dressing) will be put on your belly.
- The fluid will be sent to a lab for testing.
The procedure may vary among doctors and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may be asked to stay for 1 to 2 hours.
- Ask your doctor if you need a shot called Rho (D).
Amniocentesis, Care After
What can I expect after the procedure?
After your procedure, you may have cramps.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Rest for the first 24 hours.
- Do notlift anything heavy for the rest of the day.
- Do notdo anything that takes a lot of energy for the rest of the day.
- Follow your doctor’s
instructions about:
- When you can go back to work.
- When you can get close (be intimate) with someone.
- When you can exercise.
- When you can go back to your normal activities.
- Do nothave sex until your doctor says it is okay.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) clear or pale yellow. This helps with cramps.
- Get your test results. Ask your doctor when they will be ready.
Contact a doctor if:
- You have belly (abdominal) pain.
Get help right away if:
- You have very bad belly pain.
- You have very bad cramps.
- Your are bleeding from your vagina or belly.
- Fluid comes from your vagina or belly.
- You have a fever or think you have a fever.
- You do not feel the baby moving as much as normal.
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