Procedure : AMNIOCENTESIS
ABOUT AMNIOCENTESIS:
Also known as :Amniotic fluid test
It is a procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus (amniotic sac surrounding the foetus) and tested. It is most commonly advised to detect genetic abnormalities in the foetus like Down’s syndrome, Turner’s syndrome, Neural tube defects like Spina bifida, etc.This is done in second trimester, generally between 15 -18 weeks of pregnancy. It may also help in assessing the maturity of baby’s lungs in conditions where early delivery has to be planned due to unavoidable medical reasons. This is done between 32-39 weeks of pregnancy. It can also be used to detect infection, Rh incompatibility, correct polyhydramnios, etc. It is done as an OPD procedure by a Gynaecology & Obstetrics specialist.