What are the risks of amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that is designed to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a child that can lead to congenital defects or serious developmental problems. The procedure is recommended for women over 35 years because they have a greater risk that children with chromosomal defects will have, although any women may apply for amniocentesis along with other prenatal tests. There are some risks for amniocentesis that should be considered before the procedure, and a good doctor will discuss these risks with the patient before starting. Parents may be asked to sign the form of understanding that they recognize the risks of amniocentesis before the procedure. The patient may receive a small numbing injection and usually follows the procedure by ultrasound to ensure that the doctor knows where to go. The fluid sample is analyzed, in a process that may take several weeks, depending on which tests were required. The procedure takes place in the second trimester of pregnancy, usually around 15 weeks. The risks of amnIocentes seem to be the greatest in pregnancy less than 14 weeks.
One of the greatest risks of amniocentesis is abortion or premature work. Statistics about this risk differ; For example, many studies performed in the age of 70. Century exposed a risk somewhere around one in 200. However, in 2006, a study in 2006 indicated that the risk could be as low as one of the 1600. It seems that more experienced doctors are experiencing lower abortion among their patients.
In some cases, amniocentesis may cause infection by introducing bacteria into the needle site doamniotic bag. This is quite rare, but it can cause pain and convulsions, or damage the baby. Another risks of amniocentesis is trauma for the child, which can lead to physical deformations. Ultrasound use significantly reduces this risk as well as working witha competent doctor. The leakage of amniotic fluid may also be a danger; Although a small amount of leakage is normal, it should be carefully monitored to ensure that fluid levels do not incomplete.
One of the less known risks of amniocentesis is the condition known as RH incompatibility. In short, this condition is a blood -type conflict between the fetus and the mother, causing the mother's immune system to attack the fetus as a foreign body. If amniocentesis results in blood exchange, as it can happen when the placenta is randomly stabbing, RH can cause a response from the mother. Ideally, the risk of RH compatibility will be identified and solved; There some preventive measures that can be taken for treatment.