i am 12 weeks pregnant, and i just learned about a test called amniocentesis.
i dont know much about it, so i was wondering is it a test my doctor will give me just because i'd like to have one done, or is it something they will only do if necessary?
2007-01-16 15:30:32 · 12 answers · asked by Jayme 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
No they will not give it to you just because you want one. Besides that test is VERY dangerous and could cause you to lose your baby. Do you even know what it is?
The stick a long needle into your abdomen (no numbing meds) and they pierce the amniotic sac and draw fluids out. They can hit the baby if it moves, it can cause you to miscarriage.
It is only done when absolutely needed!
2007-01-16 15:48:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
An amniocentesis is when a doctor puts a large needle into your belly and takes some amnio-fluid from your 'sac.' The purpose of the test is to see whether or not the baby is healthy.
They can test the dna for possible genetically-related diseases that may impare the health/life of the baby.
While it may be wise to have one if you are older (35) or if there are genetically -related diseases in your family - it can cause spontaneous miscarriage.
Plus, what would you do with the results? If the baby is positive for down's syndrome, breast cancer gene, or parkinson's what will you do? Would you choose to abort or carry the baby to term?
2007-01-16 23:44:19 · answer #2 · answered by Jilian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
from webmd, I personally would never subject an unborn baby to this.
Amniocentesis in early pregnancy is not done as a general screening test for birth defects because it carries some risk to your baby and cannot detect some common birth defects. There is a slight chance (about 1 in 200) that amniocentesis may cause a miscarriage. Amniocentesis is done when the risk of a birth defect or disease outweighs the risk of the procedure
2007-01-16 23:43:26 · answer #3 · answered by me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not recommend an amniocentesis because it is highly inaccurate. If your doctor feels you need one, i.e. family history or your age factor, they will suggest one but cannot make you have one.
Initially you would be recommended to see a perinatologist who will perform an ultrasound and view your ultrasound with great detail and will be able to tell neural fibral defects and downs syndrome or any brain defects. They will NOT be able to tell if the baby has spina bifida.
Also, you have a blood test around 28 weeks which will give 3 different birth defect screenings, including downs syndrome and neural fibral defects. If these come back negative, then I would opt out for the amnio. It's not worth it and it can be risky to the baby. Hope this helps.
2007-01-16 23:48:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They usually only do this test if you are over 35. If you are younger and you just want one you may have to pay out of pocket. Also there is risk of miscarriage with this test so why get one if you don't really need it? If you are worried about Downs syndrome they can also do 3D ultrasound not 100% but now they can tell a lot of times if the baby has downs by measuring certain parts on baby. Also there is a blood test also not 100% effective. Good luck.
2007-01-16 23:36:12 · answer #5 · answered by mom of twins 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An amniocentesis is a test that is generally done only if necessary. While it is effectively harmless to the mother, it does pose some risk to the baby, so it is not done unless there is a sound medical reason.
2007-01-16 23:33:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An amniocentesis is something a doctor has to recommend and only if deemed necessary. An "amnio" is a high risk procedure and can cause miscarriage.
2007-01-16 23:35:35 · answer #7 · answered by wheezerthill 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to find out if your unborn child has any type of chromosomal irregularities this is the test for you. But it's not something to do just because it's available.
You will have a LARGE needle put through your tummy, through your abs, through your uterus and then they remove a giant syringe full of amniotic fluid for testing. You will have to go on bed rest for 12- 24 hours after wards. It's not pleasant and it's potentially dangerous to your baby. Miscarriage can happen.
Go research this and make yourself aware of the RISKS to your unborn child that are involved.
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/327.html
2007-01-16 23:41:26 · answer #8 · answered by wwhrd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not a very pleasant test to be having done, and generally your doctor will not do this unless he sees you as high risk for spina bifida, or other defects. If you insist on having it done (depending on where you live of course) You may be responsible for payment for this test, rather than having insurance (if you have insurance) cover it. There can be complications involved with this test. To do the test they are put a needle through you and pierce your amniotic sac to withdraw amniotic fluid for analysis. Can be painful and uncomfortable and as stated early isn't without risk.
2007-01-16 23:37:15 · answer #9 · answered by memyselfandI 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor CAN NOT do ANYTHING to you without your consent.
It is NOT a standard test. Most women don't need an amnio. Only if you are older and want one or if there is some problem with your pregnancy.
I've had 3 healthy babies and never had an amnio.
2007-01-16 23:34:00 · answer #10 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋