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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Amniocentesis is a procedure in which amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus for testing or treatment. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds and protects a baby during pregnancy. This fluid contains fetal cells and various chemicals produced by the baby.
With genetic amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid is tested for certain abnormalities — such as Down syndrome and spina bifida. With maturity amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid is tested to determine whether the baby's lungs are mature enough for birth. Occasionally, amniocentesis is used to evaluate a baby for infection or other illness. Rarely, amniocentesis is used to decrease the volume of amniotic fluid.
Although amniocentesis can provide valuable information about your baby's health, the decision to pursue invasive diagnostic testing is serious. It's important to understand the risks of amniocentesis — and be prepared for the results.
- Ghidini, A. Amniocentesis: Technique and complications. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
- Eddleman K, et al. Pregnancy loss rates after midtrimester amniocentesis. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006;108:1067.
- Diagnosing birth defects. American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp164.cfm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd edition. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6021591. Accessed Feb. 8, 2010.
- Simpson JL, et al. Prenatal genetic diagnosis. In: Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007:1.
- Amniocentesis. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1164.asp. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
- Cystic fibrosis: Prenatal screening and diagnosis. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp171.cfm. Accessed Feb. 9, 2010.
- Gillen-Goldstein J, et al. Assessment of fetal lung maturity. www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Invasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 88. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2007;110:1459.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Accessed Feb. 15, 2010.
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