What Is Amniocentesis and Why Is It Done?
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure during pregnancy to take a small sample of the amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb) using a thin needle guided by ultrasound. The fluid contains fetal cells and genetic material, which doctors test in a lab to check for genetic or chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome, certain inherited disorders, or open neural tube defects. It can also be used later in pregnancy to check fetal lung maturity or detect infection if needed. This test is usually done between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy but may be used later in specific situations.
Purpose & Benefits of Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis gives detailed information about the health of your baby before birth:
· Diagnoses genetic conditions: Detects disorders like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other chromosomal abnormalities.
· Identifies neural tube defects: Helps spot conditions such as spina bifida when early scans suggest risk.
· Checks fetal lung development: Used in later pregnancy if early delivery is possible.
· Evaluates infection: Can help confirm suspected infections in the uterus.
· Accurate results: Provides high-accuracy diagnostic information (often ~99% for many conditions).
Who May Benefit from Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is usually offered when there is a higher chance of genetic or developmental issues:
· You are 35 years or older at the expected due date.
· A previous pregnancy had a genetic disorder.
· An earlier test (blood test or ultrasound) shows increased risk for chromosomal issues.
· You want precise diagnostic results beyond screening tests.
· Later in pregnancy, doctors may need to check lung maturity or infection.
Amniocentesis Procedure
1. Preparation: You’ll have an ultrasound to find a safe spot for fluid collection. No special fasting is usually needed.
2. Ultrasound Guidance: A technician uses ultrasound to view the baby’s position and placenta.
3. Needle Insertion: A thin needle is gently passed through your abdomen into the amniotic sac under ultrasound guidance, and a small amount of amniotic fluid is drawn.
4. Fluid Sent to Lab: The sample is sent to a laboratory for genetic and cellular testing. Results usually take 10–14 days, though some lung maturity tests return sooner.
5. Completion: The procedure usually takes about 15–30 minutes. Afterward, you may rest briefly before going home.
Duration & Therapy Setting
Amniocentesis is done in a hospital or specialized medical clinic by an obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist. The actual needle part of the procedure is quick, usually lasting a few minutes, but the whole appointment including ultrasound and preparation may take 30–60 minutes.
Safety, Precautions & Risks
Amniocentesis is considered generally safe, but it carries some risks because it is an invasive procedure.
Common mild effects:
· Cramping or minor pain during or after the procedure.
· Spotting or leaking small amounts of fluid.
Possible risks:
· Miscarriage: Slight risk, about 0.1%–0.3% (rare but higher if done before 15 weeks).
· Infection: Rare risk.
· Needle injury: Very rare, but possible if the baby moves.
· Rh sensitization: If you are Rh-negative, a blood product may be given after the procedure to prevent problems later.
Your doctor will talk to you about risks and how to prepare for and recover from the procedure.
Amniocentesis vs Other Prenatal Tests
· Screening tests (e.g., NIPT or quad screen): These estimate risk but do not confirm a condition.
· Amniocentesis: Provides definitive diagnostic results because it analyzes fetal cells directly.
DocIndia Verified Doctors for Amniocentesis
Below are verified doctors from the DocIndia Amniocentesis procedure pages who provide this procedure or related prenatal care:
Dr. Bindu Garg
MBBS, MD - IVF and Infertility Doctor
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Obstetricians and GynecologistsDr. Bindu Garg is the best IVF Doctor in Gurgaon. She has an overall 42+ years of experience (38+ years as a specialist) in infertility and obs-gynae treatment. She practices at Neelkanth Hospital Gurgaon, and World Infertility & IVF Centre, Delhi. One of her major achievements was giving Gurgaon its first IVF baby in 2003. Throughout her career as an IVF specialist, she has helped deliver more than 20,000 babies through in vitro fertilization procedures. Along with IVF treatment, she also has expertise in treating infertile patients through other ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) procedures such as IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Gurugram, Haryana, India, 122022
Dr. Archit Singhal
MD- Radiology , Fellowship in Fetal Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Diagnostic RadiologyMaternal-Fetal Medicine
Radiology
Dr Archit is a MD Radiologist (University Gold Medalist - PGIMER & Dr RML Hospital) and fetal medicine specialist (Mediscan). His field of expertise is diagnosing and management of the various types of fetal conditions like congenital anomalies, growth restriction, and multiple pregnancies. With an experience of more than 8 years, he specialises in using advanced imaging techniques for performing NT/ NB scan, Anomaly scan, fetal echocardiography, extended neurosonogram. Experienced in performing invasive procedures like amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling and fetal reduction. Believes in patient centric approach to provide comprehensive care to the patients.
Sector 48, Noida, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, 201304
- Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- DocIndia Verified
- 1 Award
- 1000
- Motherhood Hospital
Dr. Lata Assudani
MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Gynecology
GynecologyDr. Lata Assudani is a dedicated specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, having earned her MBBS and MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik. With over five years of clinical experience in Bhopal, she provides comprehensive care spanning antenatal and postnatal management, menstrual and reproductive health, and minor gynaecological procedures. Fluent in English and Marathi, Dr. Assudani is known for her empathetic bedside manner and patient-centered approach.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 400001
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- DocIndia Verified
- 800
- Online Consultation
Dr. Payal Bajaj
MBBS, DGO | Sr IVF Specialist & Medical director - Nandi IVF
Gynecology
Dr. Payal Bajaj is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over 20 years of experience in the discipline. She is a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist. She has Done MBBS From the Renowned Lady Hardinge Medical College. DGO from the prestigious VMMC and Safdarjang Hospital, DMAS From World Laparoscopy Hospital. She has Completed Her esteemed ASPIRE -ISAR Fellowship in the field of Reproductive Medicine from AFGC, Delhi And St' Mother's Hospital Japan. She has also been trained from the University of KEIL Germany. She has won various academic awards all through her academic career.
C3/9, 1st floor,, Ashok Vihar Phase 2, Delhi, Delhi, India, 110052
- Delhi, Delhi
- DocIndia Verified
- 800
- Nandi IVF
Dr. Nivetha G
MS- Obstetrics and gynaecology
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
With commitment to excellence in women's health and driven by a passion for maternal care, Dr. Nivetha G has dedicated her career to advancing the field of obstetrics. Dr. Nivetha G is an outstanding medical professional specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She earned her MS degree from K S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore, with a comprehensive education and a strong foundation from one of the leading medical institutions, Dr. Nivetha G is recognized for her expertise in handling a wide range of obstetric and gynecological cases. Her commitment to compassionate patient care and continuous learning establishes her as a respected figure in the medical fraternity.
RKP hospital, Akshaya Belvedere, (Ground floor), GST road, Guduvanchery, Chennai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 603210
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- DocIndia Verified
- 500
- RKP hospital + 1 More
Dr. Aditi Bhatnagar
MBBS, MS - Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Gynecology
W -58, Greater Kailash Part -1, Delhi, Delhi, India
Dr. Arpana Haritwal
MBBS, MS - Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Gynecology
Press Enclave marg, Mandir Marg, Delhi, Delhi, India
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai
MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MBBS
Gynecology
Sector 44, Gurgaon, Gurugram, Haryana, India
Dr. Nikhil D Datar
MBBS, MD - Midwifery & Gynecology, DGO, FCPS - Mid. & Gynae, DNB - Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gynecology
Siddhachal Arcade, CTS Nos. 1084C and 1186A Link Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Shilpa Abhyankar
MBBS, DGO, MD - Midwifery & Gynecology
Gynecology
159, Ganesh Prasad, Sir Bhalchandra Road, Hindu Colony, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
