Late pregnancies have higher stakes of child abnormalities and genetic disorders. Amniocentesis is a common test undertaken by several Indian women today.

The Process

Your amniotic fluid surrounds the baby in the womb. This is extracted from your womb and examined in order to determine the chromosome count.

The process mainly involves an ultrasound during which, the amniotic fluid is extracted from a section that is at a safe distance from the baby and the placenta.

The thin hollow needle is inserted through your abdominal wall in order to extract the amniotic fluid.
The results take about two weeks.

How will it really help you?

This test will not detect any major diseases such as a heart problem that your child could be born with.

It helps you determine sex chromosome disorders such as trisomy 13, trisomy 18 and Down's Syndrome can be detected through this process.

It tells you whether your baby is likely to have any sort of genetic disorder later and what are the risks involved.

Is miscarriage a possibility?

"There is a 1% to 2 % chance that you might have a miscarriage. You have to make sure that the doctor and the hospital is a reputed one, equipped with all the required technology," says Dr Madhavi Panpalia, Consulting Gynaecologist, Jaslok Hospital.

The constant view of the procedure on the ultrasound screen prevents miscarriages and helps the doctor skilfully extract the fluid.

You need to go to a doctor who has performed several amniocentesis tests before and has a good deal of experience in the area of pre-natal tests.

Post Care

One day of complete rest is very essential after the procedure. If you experience severe cramps, vaginal spotting or fever, then consult your gynaecologist immediately.

"Avoid intercourse or any other physical activities such as, travelling and brisk walking, for at least a week after you have undergone the test," advises Dr Panpalia.

Even household chores should be avoided for a few days.

Give your body complete rest and eat well.

Remember, amniocentesis only helps you to determine your child's genetic disorder in the early stage of your pregnancy. It cannot treat the disorder.