What is Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a specialised diagnostic test that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid from your uterus (womb) and examining it in the laboratory to see whether your baby has any serious abnormalities. It's a diagnostic test, which means that it can tell you with almost complete certainty whether or not your baby has got a particular condition. It can also reveal the sex of your baby.
How is it performed?
You will be asked to lie down on an examination couch. Using ultrasound for guidance, your doctor will identify a pocket of amniotic fluid a safe distance from your baby and the placenta. She will then insert a long, thin, hollow needle through your abdominal wall and into the sac of fluid around your baby. You can choose to have your abdomen numbed first with a local anaesthetic, but this isn't usually necessary (RCOG 2006). With the special long needle, the doctor withdraws a small amount of amniotic fluid; about two tablespoons. This fluid contains cells from your baby, chemicals, and micro-organisms that can answer many questions about your baby's health. Guiding the needle to the right position using the ultrasound scan can take up to 20 minutes. Inserting the needle and withdrawing the amniotic fluid takes only about five minutes. Once the needle is out, you may have some tummy cramps. In about one in every 12 procedures, not enough fluid is collected on the first try and the needle has to be re-inserted (RCOG 2006).
You will be asked to lie down on an examination couch. Using ultrasound for guidance, your doctor will identify a pocket of amniotic fluid a safe distance from your baby and the placenta. She will then insert a long, thin, hollow needle through your abdominal wall and into the sac of fluid around your baby. You can choose to have your abdomen numbed first with a local anaesthetic, but this isn't usually necessary (RCOG 2006). With the special long needle, the doctor withdraws a small amount of amniotic fluid; about two tablespoons. This fluid contains cells from your baby, chemicals, and micro-organisms that can answer many questions about your baby's health. Guiding the needle to the right position using the ultrasound scan can take up to 20 minutes. Inserting the needle and withdrawing the amniotic fluid takes only about five minutes. Once the needle is out, you may have some tummy cramps. In about one in every 12 procedures, not enough fluid is collected on the first try and the needle has to be re-inserted (RCOG 2006).
Does it hurt?
If you have been advised to drink a lot of water before your amniocentesis to ensure that the ultrasound picture is clear, you might find the procedure uncomfortable. Women say that they feel a sharp stinging feeling as the needle goes in and pressure as the needle is withdrawn (RCOG 2006). However, everyone experiences the procedure differently and it may feel different with one pregnancy than with another.
If you have been advised to drink a lot of water before your amniocentesis to ensure that the ultrasound picture is clear, you might find the procedure uncomfortable. Women say that they feel a sharp stinging feeling as the needle goes in and pressure as the needle is withdrawn (RCOG 2006). However, everyone experiences the procedure differently and it may feel different with one pregnancy than with another.
How do i feel?
Honestly, quite uneasy as hubby not around to go through this with me. Was tensed up when the needle goes under skin as felt a sharp stinging feeling even after hours. The procedure only lasted for 5mins. I started to feel better when the doctor show me the baby's ultra sound scan where the little ones keep turning here and there. Haha very active baby.
When the result available?
According to the doc, it should be available within 21 days from today. So my next appointment will be on 26th March. Hence, make a guess the baby is a girl or boy. To me, most importantly the baby is healthly.
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