Down syndrome testing Amniocentesis (needle inserted through abdomen)Can anyone share experience?

Question

Does it hurt?

Answer 1

Hi....did you already have the level 2 or high intensity ultra-sound done? this is done prior to having an amnio if you are looking for DS. this is a special ultra-sound done by a perinatologist (I think that is their title). they measure the fungal fold of the babies neck (ds kids have a thicker fungal fold) and they also measure the long bones of the babies body such as the arms and the legs (ds kids have shorter arms and legs) they will also check for congenital heart defects and intestinal defects that are common in kids with DS. if they find anything that is a concern then they will ask you if you want an amnio done. I went through all of this with my youngest son. he had a congenital heart defect called av-canal (hole in the heart) as well as a thicker fungal fold. since this is common they asked if I wanted an amnio done to make sure. I went through the process at around 5 months pregnant. they clean the area and put on a topical numbing cream. then insert the needle while they are doing an ultra-sound. the needle insertion doesn't hurt, but you get a cramping feeling once the needle goes through the uterus. they take out some of the amnio fluid and pull the needle out. again a little cramping and they stick a bandaid on it and your asked to rest for a bit. it took 2 days to get the result of the amnio...and let me tell ya I was sooooo scared! when I received the phone call from the Dr. he told me my son did indeed have DS. that's when all my emotions hit me and I basically mourned the loss of my "perfect" son. but I have to tell you, looking back on my experiences and my emotions at the time...I was over emotional and foolish and I can laugh at myself now....because I have the most wonderful little boy anyone would be proud to have! he is the sunshine in my life and a joy to my heart!
I have to add the only reason I took the amnio in the first place was to find out if he did have DS and then learn everything I could on it and to be an informed parent. there are so many great programs out there for kids with disabilities and because I was prepared my son received them the minute he was released from the hospital. I really would recommend if you haven't gotten the level 2 ultra-sound to get it before you have an amnio done to find out your chances...then and only then you can make your decision on the amnio because of the risk of miscarriage. hope this helps and congratulations on the upcomming birth of your baby!!!! =)

Answer 2

Hi, I am 36 years old, 28 weeks pregnant and I went for my amniocentesis when 19 weeks. My insertion was done at my bikini line 45 degrees towards the uterus cos my placenta is across my abdomen when I am in a lying position. The gynae will numb our abdomen so it is absolutely painless when the needle inserts into our abdomen. However, for my case, due to the awkward needle insertion position, I felt a small degree of discomfort when the needle was inserted into my uterus and also some cramping. Just relax, breathe normally & do not move, the procedure is fast, only took about less than a minute. This was my personal experience. In addition, I would like you to know that I have a rather low tolerance for pain as I fear injections although I am a nurse ;p
I also have my sister, cousins & friends who went for the procedure but they do not feel any discomfort at all when the puncture point is from the top, which is the usual case for most people. Thus, do not worry. Just remember that you should be on bedrest as much as you can for 2-3 days after the preocedure or as long as you can afford to. Also, take plenty of fluid, 2 litres a day. All will be fine and take good care ya!

Answer 3

ive never had it but do you know that it carries a 1-2% chance of miscarriage as the needle can hit the baby. i dont know where your from but i had a special scan at 13 weeks and a blood test and the 2 combined tell you if your high or low risk for down syndrome, luckily i came back low risk so i didnt need the amniocentesis. think carefully if your going to do it cause it would be a horrible way to lose a baby

Answer 4

It does not hurt a lot. Feels like a twinge of pain like cramps. You may have cramps afterwards and should rest. The test takes awhile for results, so try not to stress.

If you had a previous positive result on the other test, that is common (happened to me) and the results of the amnio should confirm. Good luck.

Answer 5

well they numb it with that spongey orange colored thing. you can feel it, i wouldnt say it hurts but its scary especailly when you see the needle. it is a weird feeling (i dont like it) when they are taking out the fluid. you may experience some cramping ( i did with one and didnt with the second) then you will need to go and get a nst done. i think they may tell you that you may bleed too, but i never had that. good luck and bring someone with you to hold your hand

Answer 6

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Answer 7

mine was very fast, no pain at all, went home with a bandaid.