Do you know the risks of Amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure that involves the introduction of a fine needle through the maternal abdominal wall to aspirate a sample of amniotic fluid. This sample makes it possible to study various characteristics of the fetus and the pregnancy.

The patient does not require any special preparation, not even fasting, only a series of parameters of her blood tests such as blood group or serology will be verified.

The main application of amniocentesis today is the study of the chromosomes of the fetus. For example, when a screening study for chromosomopathies has been performed with a high-risk result and a confirmation with the study of the chromosomes is required. Gynecology specialists also recommend performing it in situations of suspected fetal infection, known as chorioamnionitis.

When should an amniocentesis be performed?

Amniocentesis is a test that is indicated from the 16th week of pregnancy onwards, that is, from 4 months of gestation. Once this period has passed, it can be performed at any time during the pregnancy, whenever it is considered convenient for the study of the fetus.

Amniocentesis: risks

The main risk of amniocentesis is fetal loss. The risk is about 0.50% in the hands of an experienced operator. There is also a small risk, estimated at 0.30%, of premature rupture of membranes or infection of the amniotic fluid. There are other very infrequent risks such as bleeding of the placenta, hematoma of the abdominal wall or fetal trauma.

Alternative techniques to amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is currently being replaced, on certain occasions, by the non-invasive genetic test in maternal blood. This test is performed as a test for the study of the chromosomes of the fetus due to the absence of complications or risk to the fetus posed by these tests known as NIPT. However, amniocentesis still has its place as a test for definitive study of chromosomal abnormalities and for the study of fetal infections.