Amniocentesis experiences?

Question

9 wks pregnant with #3 at 37 years old, and turned this test down with first two at 32 & 35 years. Had two healthy daughters, but because we want to know for sure if baby is a boy(shopping reasons-need everything if it is; nothing if it is a girl) and is healthy due to my "advanced maternal age" (!!!) am considering it for this one. Is the test painful? It seems very invasive to stick needle through the mother's stomach into the uterus, not to mention dangerous. For those ladies who have had it, would you do it again? Did anyone have a bad experience because of it? We will be faced with question to have this test or not in a couple weeks, and want some unbiased imput.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, and ALOHA!

PS-I would not have an abortion if we found out someting was wrong.

I don't think.

Answer 1

I think you need to ask yourself "what would I do with the results of this test" so that you can decide if it is worth the increased risk of miscarriage. If the answer is that you'd do nothing differently based on the results, why have the test?

Answer 2

Forgive me, I can't remember every detail of mine, it was over 10 years ago. But I can try to give you some of my experience.

I had some questionable blood work I think around the 4th-5th month.

This was my 3rd child, I didn't have any problems with the previous 2 so when my doctor wanted to order an amnio I was pretty scared. I didn't know much about the procedure, or anyone else who had one. I had to travel to a much larger hospital, where my family & myself were explained everything, what was going to happen, what I would feel, the possible dangerers etc. This team of specialist I had, I believe there were 4-5 in the room, were wonderful. I was given a local first, which was just like any other shot you get, a little pinch. They had the ultra sound hooked-up (they have to in order to see what their doing) and encouraged me to watch also. It was much better watching my baby on the monitor because I really didn't even want to see the amnio needle. As far as pain, I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't feel much at all. Most of it was just a slight pressure and it was over before I knew it. Really...I don't know if its because I had such good doctors...but mine was a positive experience. And I'm the type that gets light headed just getting a flu shot. As it turned out everything was fine, the worst part was waiting the week for the results ( that was nerve wrecking). Would I do it again? If my doctor would want it, than yes. And for those who question the health/abortion thing, thats not what its about. Its about being prepared, if my child would have needed help right after birth I want the best doctor there waiting to care for them.

Talk it over with whom-ever will be doing the procedure, make sure all your questions are answered and good luck with your decision.

Answer 3

I had one with my daughter 5 years ago and I have an appt. this coming Monday for my second amniocentesis. I will be exactly 16 weeks and that is how far along you have to be. I don't know how much information you were given as far as the test goes but you have to go to an hour counceling session for genetic purposes in order to take the test. It is standard because the test is not only to find out the childs sex but mainly to make sure the child is normal and does not have any genetic defects. They give it to women 35 and over, although I think that is young but according to Doctors, that is when you should look out for abnormalities, if there are any in your family history. Personally, I had it done when I was 36 and the reason for me doing it was becuase I had a fetal demise at 6 months before my daughter was born, plus also my age. The procedure is a scary one becuase of the needle being so long and the fact that they do it so slow, that it seems to take forever. Basically, they will start with the sonogram to see where the baby is located and once that is done, they proceed to put the needle in your stomach. You will feel a pinch and then lots of pressure, the Doctor will tell you to stay still and calm(if that's possible), and then they will draw out placenta liquid and take out the needle. Of course it is not that quick. I cried through the whole thing and my husband was holding my hand the whole time. After that, the Doctor will tell you to take it easy for the rest of the day and lie in bed. There is a chance of miscarriage which I know you have heard, but it is now a 1 to 2% chance of that happening. Obviously, I was fine and my daughter was healthy and I want to know if this child is also. I am scared but it is important for me to know that my child is ok. It is really up to you and your reasons for having this test done but I will tell you that my Doctor is a specialist in advanced gynocology and he assured me not to be worried, if you are a healthy person with no prior complications, you should be fine.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

I had an amnio with pregnacy #3. I think I was 36 at the time. The reason for having the amnio was because I had an early ultrasound (called a nuchal translucency) that showed some reasons for concern. From what I understand, an aminiocentesis increases the risk of miscarriage slightly. I'm sure the doctor has told you all this and I TOTALLY understand wanting to have one because of "advanced maternal age" (I had my youngest at 37). Procedure: You go thru a "normal" ultrasound which shows the perinatologist where your baby is in your womb - lets him/her know where they can safely enter with the needle. You feel some pressure with the needle insertion and during the procedure. They tell you to take it easy for the rest of the day. I lazed around for the rest of the day following the procedure, which, since you already have children REALLY try to do. Hire a babysitter, have dad stay home. Relaxing is your best insurance. I eventually lost that pregnancy but it was NOT due to the amnio. Good luck!

Answer 5

I had one when I was 36 weeks pregnant because I was very sick and they wanted to see if my son's lungs were developed or not because he needed to be delivered soon. I personally found it to be painful. NO the needle doesn't hurt but it makes you cramp and you must lay still and if you've ever been crampy, you know its hard to lay still like that. It doesn't take long. The procedure itself is like a minute but of course it feels like forever. I had a lot of fluid so I wasn't concerned about them harming my son. They did say however they it might through me into labor which at that point of my pregnancy it would have been ok.

Its a personal decision on your part. We did it because I didn't want a baby born too early and have complications. His lungs ended up being just barely underdeveloped so they said they could wait 1 more week and that was it. He is perfectly healthy and came out with some good lungs!!

Good luck to you.

Answer 6

i was advised by my doctor to have one because my last pregnancy had a ton of problems. we decided to not go through with it. i have a friend who did and she said it didn't hurt at all. i would do it if you want to be safe. but if you're just doing it to find out the gender then i would wait for an ultrasound.