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2 Apr 2024

What to Expect During Amniocentesis Testing

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
What to Expect During Amniocentesis Testing
Preparing for Amniocentesis: A Journey into Genetic Insight
Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with anticipation, joy, and occasional anxiety.
As you embark on this remarkable path, it's important to stay informed about the various tests and procedures that may be recommended to ensure the health of both you and your baby.
One such procedure that your healthcare provider may suggest is amniocentesis.
What is Amniocentesis and Why is it Performed?
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that involves withdrawing a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding your baby.
This procedure is usually performed between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy and is primarily used to identify chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, or neural tube defects.
The collected fluid contains fetal cells that can be analyzed for a comprehensive understanding of your baby's health.
What to Expect During the Amniocentesis Procedure
Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will explain the entire process to you, addressing any concerns or questions you may have.
They will also discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with amniocentesis.
When you arrive for the test, you'll be asked to lie down on an examination table.
Your abdomen will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be administered to numb the area.
Using ultrasound guidance, a thin needle will be carefully inserted into your uterus to draw out a small amount of amniotic fluid.
The entire procedure usually takes about 20 minutes, and although it may cause some temporary discomfort, it is generally well-tolerated by most women.
After the Procedure: What Happens Next?
Following the amniocentesis, you will be asked to rest for a short period of time, and your healthcare provider will monitor your baby's heart rate.
It's important to take it easy for the next 24 to 48 hours, avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting. You may experience some mild cramping, spotting, or leakage of fluid, but these symptoms are usually temporary.
While waiting for the results, it's natural to feel anxious.
Remember to reach out to your support system, whether it's your partner, family, or friends, for reassurance and comfort.
The results of amniocentesis are typically available within two to three weeks, and your healthcare provider will discuss them with you in detail.
Remember, knowledge is power, and the information gained from amniocentesis can help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy and the future well-being of your baby.
Key Takeaways
  • Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test performed to identify genetic abnormalities and neural tube defects.
  • The procedure involves withdrawing a small amount of amniotic fluid using a thin needle under ultrasound guidance.
  • After the procedure, it's important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Support from loved ones is crucial during the waiting period for the results.
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E
Emma
14 Jul 2023

Waiting on the amniocentesis genetics testing is overwhelming, stressful and heartbreaking. I have never wanted 7 days to fly by so quickly. Pray for me and my sonshine. 🥹😫

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
9 comments
K
Krystle
I am sorry. Did you get your results?
27 Mar 2024

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Emma
I did and with the grace of God everything came back negative.
27 Mar 2024

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M
Makayla
25 Feb 2023

amniocentesis test!!! Leave a comment on why you refused or how the testing was for you personally

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
5 comments
G
Gina
I don't really have a reason to get one, bc I'm low risk according to all of my screenings but I do know someone who had a stillbirth a few days after hers and there is like a 20% chance .. and there's also a chance they hit the wrong spot on the baby so I'm just not taking that risk either way .. even if I was high risk, by the time the test is performed, you're already like halfway there so I'd just deal with it when the time came and worry then instead of worrying for the rest of the pregnancy
27 Mar 2024

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M
Makayla
That was a huge worry a lot of females had concerns of loss after getting that done❕ I will definitely miss out on that then
27 Mar 2024

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D
Danielle
2 Feb 2023

How does everyone feel about the amniocentesis test…. I have strong discomfort with it and dont think I’m goi g to do it

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
5 comments
T
TAY
I’m in between with it. (Haven’t been offered it yet). May I ask why do you have discomfort with it?
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tiffany
Just had mine on the 30th it was harmless. First an ultrasound the baby was performing posing blowing kisses. Then they drew blood from my arm told me I would know gender in 7 days . They will not draw from your stomach but the test is important to know if your child has down syndrome, spinalbifida or any other issues so you will not be surprised at birth ! 13wp
27 Mar 2024

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L
Leeann
10 Jan 2023

Tomorrow is my 2nd appointment with my obgyn. I'll be 13 weeks tomorrow. Since my first child passed away at 5 years old with a heart condition, I had a kidney removed last year due to kidney failure, and I'm having twins... I'm high risk. So I'm supposed to be a specialty doctor over at fetal medicine as well. I'm hoping to discuss either CVS testing or Amniocentesis testing. I know both common with risks, but because of my past I think it's definitely something to consider. Letting my 4 and 5 year old boys miss school tomorrow, they have been begging to see the babies ❤ can't say no to big brothers!

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
3 comments
🍹
🍹Jenni
I’m sorry for your loss! That’s devastating. But congratulations on the twins! Wow twins! That’s awesome! I hope everything goes great throughout your whole pregnancy.
27 Mar 2024

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L
Leeann
I hope so too! Initial blood work they didn't find anything. Today I did NIPT testing so should know more in a week or so! And just waiting on fetal medicine to schedule me and then amniocentesis test around 16 weeks. I feel like once I get towards the middle to end of 2nd trimester a lot of the worry and stress should go down since all my fears should be answered by then! Both strong heartbeats today! 161 and 164! So still doing great!
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nahuel
16 Dec 2022

Hey moms, have one you has been recommended to have the amniocentesis test. I am, but I am not so sure.

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7 comments
n
nene
I thought they do it thru blood ? They did mines like thst
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nahuel
I will the blood today but they still suggested it😥
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jenna
21 Sep 2022

Got back my genetics NIPT testing. Our baby has no gender until we do further testing somthing is wrong with an X chromosome 🥴 We have been dinged for Monisomy X as they were unable to release those results, Also I have 3 dnas within my body they said the baby or I, could possibly have 2 dnas or the placenta could have a seprate dna than the baby, but someone has extra. (Mosiac dna) decided we are going to do amniocentesis and I'm terrified.

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
8 comments
🌜
🌜✨Yaya✨🎄
Best wishes
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cierra
I had the same monosomy x results. Most likely you will be having a girl. It can only happen to girls. So congrats!! So far we are testing through ultrasounds and she is perfect. Nothing wrong. It very well may just be the placenta from what I’ve read
27 Mar 2024

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Mandi
10 Sep 2022

To any older mommies, I am 38 and at the end of this month go for the anatomy scan. I plan to talk to the doctor about the amniocentesis testing and if I should do it to check for any abnormalities because of my age. What is your advice should I or just trust the blood test and anatomy scan?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
10 comments
M
Mandi
I did the blood test it came back good no down syndrome or the others they test for. I just keep seeing/hearing the chances of things are higher in older mommies
27 Mar 2024

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Tanijah
9 Sep 2022

what should i expect during my glucose test? it’s tomorrow and im kinda nervous🙇🏽‍♀️

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
10 comments
V
Vanessa
Is it the 1 hour or 3 hour cause I fail the 1 hour now going to take my 3 hour tomorrow. Just praying to the lord it’s normal
27 Mar 2024

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Tanijah
it’s the 1 hour test
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sabrina
9 May 2022

Hi ladies so my blood work for genetic testing came back negative but they suggested I take a amniocentesis for further testing to be sure has anyone done this and should I be worried cuz I’m feeling very nervous

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
9 comments
P
Patricia
If it was negative why do they want you to do further testing?
27 Mar 2024

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💙
💙Shay💜1985💚
I did one only because my blood test showed something. I wouldn't have done it if it weren't for that. I needed to be sure how to prepare myself and my teens for babies arrival and have support etc in place if something was found. Seems like an unnecessary procedure of there aren't flags to justify. I got pregnant at 35 and delivered at 36.
27 Mar 2024

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