What are aminocentesis?

Answer 1

Amniocentesis (also referred to as amniotic fluid test or AFT), is a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of genetic risk factors, in which a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal tissues, is extracted from the amnion or amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus, and the fetal DNA is examined for genetic abnormalities.

Before the actual procedure, a local anesthetic is sometimes given to relieve the pain when inserting the syringe to withdraw the fluid. A syringe is usually inserted through the mother's abdominal wall or at the end of the vagina, and through the wall of the uterus into the amniotic sac. With assistance from ultrasound a physician aims an area of the sac that is away from the fetus and extracts a small amount of amniotic fluid for testing. The puncture heals, and the amniotic sac automatically replenishes the liquid over a day or so. After the amniotic fluid is extracted, the fetal cells are separated from it using a centrifuge, and cell chromosomes are examined for abnormalities. Various genetic testing may be performed, but the three most common abnormalities tested for are Down's syndrome, Trisomy 18 and spina bifida. Amniocentesis can be performed as soon as sufficient amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus to allow a sample to be recovered relatively safely, usually no earlier than the 14th week of pregnancy. Often, genetic counseling is offered in conjunction with amniocentesis.

Answer 2

It's a medical procedure when they use prenatal diagnosis of your chromosomal abnormalities or fetal infections (infections during week 9-16 when the baby is in the mom's tummy)They take a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal tissues and sample from the amnion or amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus, and the fetal DNA is examined for genetic abnormalities. The process can also determine the gender of the child