I've Got To Have An Amniocentesis!

[AnnaMae]

I am really anxious about this. There are several genetic birth defects that run in our family that are very serious. The obstetrician wants to do an amniocentesis. No one in my family has had to have one of these before. She explained it to me but I am still really anxious. Has anyone here had one? Does it hurt? Does it hurt the baby? I really need some information!

[mamabear]

I got this procedure for amniocentesis from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniocentesis:

Before the actual procedure, a local anesthetic is sometimes given to relieve the pain when inserting the needle used to withdraw the fluid. A needle is usually inserted through the mother's abdominal wall through the wall of the uterus into the amniotic sac. With the aid of ultrasound-guidance, a physician aims towards an area of the sac that is away from the fetus and extracts approximately 20ml of amniotic fluid for testing. The puncture heals, and the amniotic sac replenishes the liquid over a day or so. After the amniotic fluid is extracted, the fetal cells are separated from it. The cells are grown in a culture medium, then fixed and stained. Under a microscope the chromosomes are examined for abnormalities. The most common abnormalities detected are Down syndrome, Edward syndrome [Trisomy 18] and Turner syndrome [Monosomy X]. Amniocentesis is most safely performed after the 14th-16th week of pregnancy, does not need to be done before then due to risk it can do to the baby's limbs. Usually genetic counseling is offered prior to amniocentesis.

I hope it helps you with what you are going to go through. It is an important procedure to determine if your fetus has any abnormality that the doctor can do something about.

[AnnaMae]

Thanks for the information mamabear. I know it's probably nothing to be worried about but this is my first and I'm just anxious and wanting everything to be alright! We will be fine, I'm sure and the doctor is just being cautious. Thanks again!

[chloe]

Good luck with your test AnnaMae I am sure that all will be well. I think anyone would be nervous about having the procedure...they are sticking a big needle in your belly and beside your baby I would be very anxious too!

[AnnaMae]

Thanks Chloe!

I just don't want my little one to be hurt. My cousin's had to have it done and they said it's not a big deal but I guess I'm just anxious. I'm in my seventh month and that's pretty far along to have it done but the doctor said they do it up to seven months all the time. I go in for it next week and my husband says he doesn't know if he can stay in the room. I told him he better or I'm getting up off of the table and dragging him in. If he can't stand this, what's he going to do during labor and delivery. Sheesh! Men!