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How you prepare

By Mayo Clinic staff

Before amniocentesis, you can eat and drink as usual. Your bladder must be full before the procedure, however, so drink plenty of fluids before your appointment. Your health care provider may ask you to sign a consent form before the procedure begins. You may want to ask someone to accompany you to the appointment for emotional support or to drive you home afterward.

References
  1. Ghidini, A. Amniocentesis: Technique and complications. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
  2. Eddleman K, et al. Pregnancy loss rates after midtrimester amniocentesis. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006;108:1067.
  3. Diagnosing birth defects. American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp164.cfm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Amniocentesis. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1164.asp. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
  7. 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.
  8. Gillen-Goldstein J, et al. Assessment of fetal lung maturity. www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
  9. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Invasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 88. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2007;110:1459.
  10. Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Accessed Feb. 15, 2010.
MY00155 May 15, 2010

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