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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffAmniocentesis carries various risks, including:
- Miscarriage. Second-trimester amniocentesis carries a slight risk of miscarriage — between 1 in 300 and 1 in 500. Research suggests that the risk of miscarriage is higher for amniocentesis done before 15 weeks of pregnancy.
- Cramping and vaginal bleeding. Cramping is possible after amniocentesis. Some women experience a small amount of vaginal bleeding.
- Needle injury. During amniocentesis the baby may move an arm or leg into the path of the needle. Serious needle injuries are rare.
- Leaking amniotic fluid. Rarely, amniotic fluid leaks through the vagina after amniocentesis. If the leak seals, the pregnancy may proceed normally. Sometimes, however, the leakage leads to orthopedic problems for the baby.
- Rh sensitization. Rarely, amniocentesis may cause the baby's blood cells to enter the mother's bloodstream. If you have Rh negative blood, you'll be given a drug called Rh immunoglobulin after amniocentesis to prevent you from producing antibodies against your baby's blood cells.
- Infection. Rarely, amniocentesis may trigger a uterine infection.
- Infection transmission. If you have an infection — such as hepatitis C, toxoplasmosis or human immunodeficiency virus — amniocentesis may cause transfer of the infection to your baby.
Remember, genetic amniocentesis is typically offered when the test results may have a significant impact on management of the pregnancy. Ultimately, the decision to have genetic amniocentesis is up to you. Your health care provider or genetic counselor can help you weigh all the factors in the decision.
Maturity amniocentesis is often suggested when early delivery would be best for the mother. With minimal risks, maturity amniocentesis can offer assurance that the baby is ready for birth.
- 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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