Introduction 

Exams create a different environment altogether that sometimes becomes overwhelming. However, how you deal with it plays a significant role in deciding your future. Studying for NEET and, more importantly, cracking is a goal of many; after all, it is one of India’s most challenging exams.

If you’ve studied Biology in your class 10th and 12th, you must be acquainted with the basis of amniocentesis, such as the amniocentesis definition. However, today, we will give you detailed knowledge of it. So, if you’re ready to explore a range of our study material about amniocentesis, let’s get started! 

What is Amniocentesis? 

In simple terms, amniocentesis can be defined as the ‘puncture of the amnion.’ It is pre-natal diagnosis, performed on pregnant women to diagnose foetus infections, chromosomal abnormalities or sex determination. An amniocentesis is safe in  between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. When a woman gets pregnant, there could be several diseases, including types of infections and genetic disorders. This procedure helps in identifying those diseases by closely examining the amniotic fluid. There is no need for local anaesthesia during amniocentesis. 

The amniotic fluid surrounds the foetus inside the mother’s womb. This fluid consists of the fetus cells, which helps determine the disorder or the sex of the baby. This fluid is also responsible for protecting the foetus from outside factors and helps in regulating the inside temperature. Hence, we can say amniotic fluid plays a significant role in the baby’s well-being before their birth. 

Why is Amniocentesis performed? 

There are several reasons why amniocentesis can be performed on a pregnant lady. There they are- 

• To check if the baby’s karyotype or a chromosome is normal or not
• In case there are any signs of the defect in the neural tube
• To check if the baby is suffering from any infection
• To check if the baby’s lungs are ready to start breathing 

Procedure of Amniocentesis

There is a well-defined procedure that doctors follow while performing amniocentesis. It is as follows- 

• The patient is asked to comfortably settle themselves on the patients’ table and place one of their hands on the back of the head. 
• The heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored using the equipment. 
• In order to closely monitor the baby’s heart rate, an ultrasound is performed. 
• The position of the foetus, placenta, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord is also checked during the ultrasound.
• Later, The abdomen is cleansed using a disinfectant and anaesthesia is injected. 
• A long, hollow and thin needle is placed in the uterus to collect the amniotic fluid. 
• This fluid is stored in a light-protected container.
• Once the fluid is out, it is sent to the laboratories for future examination. 
• In the lab ,  free-floating foetal cells(which are taken from fluid by amniocentesis) are separated and cultured. Once the cultured cells have grown (generally takes a few weeks) the chromosomes are put under a microscope to detect any genetic abnormalities, foetal infections, biochemical and neural tube defects etc. 

Risk involved Amniocentesis

Several risks are involved in the entire amniocentesis procedure. These are as follows- 

• Leaking of amniotic fluid from the vagina
• Miscarriages 
• Internal injuries 
• Preterm labour
• Cramping
• Risk of injuries 

Since the procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance, the risk of getting injured by a needle is extremely rare. 

Risk of Miscarriages

Although the risk of miscarriages exists while performing the amniocentesis; however, the number has come down significantly. One of the common reasons why miscarriages happen during amniocentesis is the bleeding faced by the baby in case the baby’s vessel gets cut. However, this condition is extremely rare. Other reasons for miscarriages include rupture of the membranes, infectious diseases and spontaneous labour. In order to prevent these conditions, it is essential to clean the skin gently.

Care After the Amniocentesis

Although there are almost no complications when the amniocentesis is performed, it’s always a good idea to be on the safer side. To prevent any complications, follow the given precautions. 

• Do not join aerobic classes. 
• No lifting groceries or kids 
• Strenuous activities 
• No intercourse 
• No jogging 

After the amniocentesis procedure, one can get back to their routine schedule within a day. If anything like cramps, fluid leakage, bleeding, fever or chills continues, it is recommended to consult the doctor. 

Ban on Amniocentesis

According to the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act, amniocentesis has been banned in India since 1994. There are several reasons behind this ban and one primary reason is determining the sex of the baby. Since the girl child is not happily accepted in different parts of India, women are forced to abort the girl foetus. To avoid such circumstances, the government in India decided to ban amniocentesis. 

Conclusion 

Till now, we studied amniocentesis in detail. It includes the amniocentesis definition, classification of amniocentesis, its procedure, the risk involved and In simple terms, amniocentesis can be defined as the ‘puncture of the amnion.’ It is a medical procedure performed on pregnant women to diagnose fetus infections, chromosomal abnormalities or sex determination. When a woman gets pregnant, there could be several diseases, including types of infections and genetic disorders. Read on for some frequently asked questions on amniocentesis.