Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used for prenatal diagnosis, in which from the amnion around a developing fetus a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted. It is usually offered when there may be an increased risk for genetic conditions (i.e. Down syndrome, sickle-cell disease, cystic fibrosis, etc) in the pregnancy.

Related Topics:
Medical - Prenatal diagnosis - Amnion - Fetus - Down syndrome - Sickle-cell disease - Cystic fibrosis

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Amniocentesis can be done as soon as there is enough amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus that a sample can be removed safely. Early amniocentesis can be performed as early as 13 weeks gestation. Standard amniocentesis is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation. Results take about two weeks. Often, genetic counseling is done before amniocentesis, or other types of genetic testing, is offered.

Related Topics:
Genetic counseling - Genetic testing

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