Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is the primary diagnostic procedure for antenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders. It is a simple medical procedure done during pregnancy for obtaining samples of the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the fetus and provides a cushioning effect.


Also called simply as "Amnio" and is usually is done after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The procedure should be considered in the following situations:

Women in their mid-30's and over, especially those who are pregnant for the first time.

Women who have had a child with a chromosomal abnormality like Down syndrome in their previous pregnancies.

Women with history of previous stillborn or spontaneous abortions.

Women who have had a child with a neural tube defect such as spina-bifida.

Women who know that either they or their spouse, have a family history of inherited disorders, which can be diagnosed.

Women who have had exposure to radiation or chemotherapeutic agents

Babies of women with metabolic disorders are sometimes at risk with chromosomal abnormalities like,

1. Autoimmune thyroditis
2. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiencies
3. Diabetes mellitus