Amniocentesis can be defined as the ‘puncture of the amnion.’ It is a prenatal diagnosis, performed on pregnant women to diagnose foetal infections, chromosomal abnormalities or sex determination. The procedure of amniocentesis is usually performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. This procedure helps in identifying several foetal diseases by closely examining the amniotic fluid. There is no need for local anaesthesia during amniocentesis. 

Amniotic fluid

The amniotic fluid surrounds the foetus inside the mother’s womb. This fluid consists of the foetus cells, which helps determine any disorders that the baby may have. This fluid is also responsible for protecting the foetus from external factors and helps in regulating the 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 
• To check if the baby is suffering from any infection
• To check if the baby’s lungs are ready to start breathing 

How is amniocentesis performed?

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 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. 
• 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, and sent to the laboratories for future examination. 
• In the lab, free-floating foetal cells (which are taken from the fluid by amniocentesis) are separated and cultured. 
• Once the cultured cells have grown (which generally takes a few weeks) the chromosomes are put under a microscope to detect any genetic abnormalities, foetal infections, biochemical and neural tube defects. 

Risks involved in the procedure of 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 there is a risk of miscarriages while performing the Amniocentesis procedure, the number is significantly low. 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. To prevent these conditions, it is essential to clean the skin gently.

Care after the amniocentesis procedure

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 heavy items
• No strenuous activities 
• No intercourse 

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 

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. Read on for some frequently asked questions on amniocentesis.