amniocentesis

amniocentesis

This painless test involves puncturing a little liquid in the amniotic sac during the third ½ months of pregnancy. This is a sample of amniotic fluid (on average 20 mL) that surrounds the fetus.

It is carried out using a needle through the abdominal and uterine walls. Fetal cells are collected and can be analyzed by electron microscopy.

This is in no way harmful, however, it can result in 0.7% of cases, a spontaneous miscarriage. Amniocentesis will determine whether or not a malformation of the fetus by establishing its karyotype, that is to say, the map of chromosomes contained in its cells. It can detect trisomy 21.

It is therefore proposed to all women whose age is at least 38 years: It takes 30 to trisomies 15 000 pregnancies and 100 trisomy 40 pregnancies to 15,000 in 50 years. We must wait ultrasound 22 weeks to be informed about the compliance of the baby already late week to some moms who absolutely need reassurance or indicated.