Amniocentesis is an exam that can be done in pregnancy and in which a sample of the amniotic fluid is taken from inside the uterus. Generally, this liquid contains cells from the fetus and the substances released by the baby during development, which can then be evaluated in the laboratory.
Thus, this test can help to identify various health problems of the baby even during pregnancy, such as Down syndrome or other genetic alteration, for example.
However, amniocentesis can bring some risks to the pregnant woman or the baby and, therefore, it should only be done when a problem with the baby is suspected, which cannot be identified by another less invasive method.
Exam Price
The price of amniocentesis can vary between one thousand and two thousand reais, depending on the location selected for the examination. Although it is more rare, in some regions of Brazil, it is also possible to take the exam through SUS.
When to do amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is most effective between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy, but can be performed from the 12th week, although there is a greater risk of miscarriage.
Amniocentesis is usually indicated in case of:
- Pregnancy over 35 years; Mother or father with genetic problems, such as Down Syndrome; Previous pregnancy of a child with some genetic disease.
Sometimes, the existence of signs on ultrasound or blood tests that show the baby's risk of having a genetic disease also indicates the need for amniocentesis.
Results may take up to 2 weeks to come out, but it varies with the type of disease being investigated.
What are the main risks
The main disadvantage of amniocentesis is the risk of miscarriage, which is greatest when the test is done in the second trimester of pregnancy. However, when done in trusted clinics and by trained professionals, this risk is very small.
In addition, there is still a risk of infection, trauma to the baby or induction of early labor.
Due to these risks, the examination should always be discussed with the obstetrician. Although other tests are available to assess the same type of problems, they usually have a higher risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis.
Know cordocentesis, one of the tests similar to amniocentesis.
How amniocentesis is done
Amniocentesis is performed with the woman lying down, while the doctor, using ultrasound, identifies the position of the fetus and the bag of amniotic fluid. Then, insert a needle through the skin of the belly and remove a small amount of amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid contains baby cells, substances and microorganisms that help to carry out the tests necessary to determine the baby's health.
The test lasts only a few minutes and the doctor will be listening to the baby's heart and doing an ultrasound to assess the woman's uterus to ensure that there is no damage to the baby.
