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Amniocentesis - Risks

Risks-Amniocentesis

Before you decide to have amniocentesis, you'll be told about the risks and possible complications.

The main risks associated with the procedure are outlined below.

Miscarriage

There's a small risk of loss of the pregnancy (miscarriage) occurring in any pregnancy, regardless of whether or not you have amniocentesis.

If you have amniocentesis after 15 weeks of pregnancy, the chance of having a miscarriage is estimated to be up to 1 in a 100.

The risk is higher if the procedure is carried out before 15 weeks.

It's not known for certain why amniocentesis can lead to a miscarriage. But it may be caused by factors such as infection, bleeding or damage to the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby.

Most miscarriages that happen after amniocentesis occur within 3 days of the procedure. But in some cases it can occur up to 2 weeks later.

There's no evidence that you can do anything during this time to reduce your risk.

Results-Amniocentesis

After amniocentesis has been carried out, the sample of amniotic fluid will be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Getting the results

The first results should be available within 3 working days, and this will tell you whether a chromosomal condition, such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome, has been found.

If rarer conditions are also being tested for, it can take 3 weeks or more for the results to come back.

You can usually choose whether to get the results over the phone, or during a face-to-face meeting at the hospital or at home.

You'll also receive written confirmation of the results.

What happens-Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis involves taking a small sample of amniotic fluid so the cells it contains can be tested. Amniotic fluid surrounds the unborn baby (foetus) in the womb (uterus).

Preparing for amniocentesis

You will not usually need to do anything special to prepare for amniocentesis. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand.

In some cases, you may be advised to avoid going to the toilet for a few hours before the test because it's sometimes easier when your bladder is full.

Your doctor or midwife will tell you about this before you attend your appointment.

You can bring a partner, friend or family member for support when you have the test.

Why it's offered-Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is only offered to pregnant women who have a higher chance of having a baby with a genetic or chromosomal condition. It can diagnose a range of conditions.

If your test results or medical or family history suggest you have a higher chance of having a baby with a genetic or chromosomal condition, you may be offered amniocentesis.

You do not have to take the test. It's up to you to decide whether you want it.

Overview-Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a test you may be offered during pregnancy to check if your baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition, such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome.

It involves removing and testing a small sample of cells from amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the unborn baby in the womb (uterus).

When amniocentesis is offered

Amniocentesis is not offered to all pregnant women. It's only offered if there's a higher chance your baby could have a genetic condition.

This could be because:

an antenatal screening test has suggested your baby may be born with a condition, such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome
you have had a previous pregnancy that was affected by a genetic condition
you have a family history of a genetic condition, such as sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy.

It's important to remember that you do not have to have amniocentesis if it's offered. It's up to you to decide whether you want it.

A midwife or doctor will speak to you about what the test involves and let you know what the possible benefits and risks are to help you make a decision.

Find out about why amniocentesis is offered and deciding whether to have it

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