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| Amniocentesis, testing of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby, is a vital tool in assessing the well-being of babies in certain women. An amniocentesis is performed between the thirteenth and eighteenth week of pregnancy. A needle is inserted through the mother’s abdomen, through the uterus and into the sac surrounding the baby. A small amount of fluid is withdrawn and sent to the laboratory. At the laboratory, cells in the fluid are allowed to reproduce and the chromosomes, and if indicated the enzymes, of the cells are analyzed. Women who will be thirty-four at the time of delivery or couples who have a family history of a genetic disease are candidates for an amnio. Your doctor will discuss having an amino at your first prenatal visit or at your pre-conception visit. | ||||
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