2. INTRODUCTION
Amniocentesis is a test used for
prenatal diagnosis of inherited diseases,
Rh incompatibility,
neural tube defects, and lung maturity.
Normally performed during the second trimester of a
pregnancy,
this invasive procedure allows the detection of health
problems in the fetus as early as fifteen weeks gestation.
Although amniocentesis does carry some significant risks,
the medical community commonly accepts it as a safe and
useful procedure.
3. DEFINITION
• Amniocentesis is a procedure in which
amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus for
testing or treatment.
• Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds and
protects a baby during pregnancy. This fluid
contains fetal cells and various proteins.
5. PROCEDURE
• 1) The patient is asked to empty her bladder and then
lie in dorsal position.
• 2) The abdominal wall is is prepared aseptically with
betadine lotion and spirit and then draped .
• 3) The proposed site of puncture is infiltrated with a
few ml. of 1% of inj. Lignocaine .
• 4) A 20 – 22 gauze spinal needle about 4 inch in length
is pierced into the amniotic cavity with the stilette in .
The stilette is then withdrawn and few drops of the
liquor is discarded .
• then about 10 ml of fluid is collected in a test tube for
diagnostic purposes .
6. • 5) The preferred sites of puncture are : a) in
early months – 1/3rd of the way up the uterus
from symphysis pubis .
• b) In later months - trans- isthmic suprapubic
approach is used after lifting the presenting
part or through the flanks in between the
foetal limbs or below the umbilicus behind the
neck of the foetus .
7. COMPLICATIONS
A. Maternal Complications:
• 1. Infection,
• 2. Haemorrhage (placental or uterine injury),
• 3. Premature rupture of membranes and
premature labour,
• 4. Maternal iso-immunisation in Rh – negative
mother.
B. Foetal complications:
• 1. Trauma
• 2. Foeto-maternal haemorrhage.
