Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a test you may be offered during pregnancy to check if your baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition, such as Down's, Edwards' or Patau's syndrome.

It involves removing and testing a small sample of cells from the amniotic fluid – the fluid that surrounds the unborn baby in the womb (uterus).

When amniocentesis is offered

Amniocentesis isn't offered to all pregnant women – only if there's a higher chance your baby could have a genetic condition.

This could be because:

• an antenatal screening test has suggested there may be a problem, such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome 
• you've had a previous pregnancy with these problems
• you have a family history of a genetic condition, such as sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis ormuscular dystrophy, and an abnormality is detected in your baby during a routine ultrasound scan

It's important to remember that you don't have to have amniocentesis if it's offered. It's up to you to decide whether you want it.

Your midwife or doctor will speak to you about what the test involves, and let you know what the possible benefits and risks are, to help you make a decision.

Read more about why amniocentesis is offered and deciding whether to have it.

How amniocentesis is performed

Amniocentesis is usually carried out between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy but may be later if necessary.

It can be performed earlier, but this may increase the risk of complications of amniocentesis and is usually avoided.

During the test, a long, thin needle is inserted through your abdominal wall, guided by an ultrasound image. The needle is passed into the amniotic sac that surrounds the foetus and a small sample of amniotic fluid is removed for analysis.

The test itself usually takes about 10 minutes, although the whole consultation may take about 30 minutes.

Amniocentesis is usually described as being uncomfortable rather than painful. Some women describe experiencing a pain similar to period pain or feeling pressure when the needle is taken out.

Read more about what happens during amniocentesis.

Getting your results

The first results of the test should be available within three working days and will tell you whether Down's, Edwards' or Patau's syndrome has been discovered.

If rarer conditions are also being tested for, it can take three weeks or more for the results to come back.

If your test shows that your baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition, the implications will be fully discussed with you. There's no cure for most of the conditions amniocentesis finds, so you'll need to consider your options carefully.

You may choose to continue with your pregnancy, while gathering information about the condition so you're fully prepared, or you may consider having a termination (abortion).

Read more about the results of amniocentesis.

What are the risks of amniocentesis?

Before you decide to have amniocentesis, the risks and possible complications will be discussed with you.

One of the main risks associated with amniocentesis is miscarriage, which is the loss of the pregnancy in the first 23 weeks. This is estimated to occur in 0.5-1% of women who have amniocentesis.

There are also some other risks, such as infection or needing to have the procedure again because it wasn't possible to accurately test the first sample.

The risk of amniocentesis causing complications is higher if it's carried out before the 15th week of pregnancy, which is why the test is only done after this point.

Read more about the possible complications of amniocentesis.

What are the alternatives?

An alternative to amniocentesis is a test called chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This is where a small sample of cells from the placenta (the organ that links the mother's blood supply with her unborn baby's) is removed for testing.