If you read this word the first thing that comes into your mind is knowing what is amniocentesis (amnio) means, and how is it done. This is also known as amniotic fluid test which is a procedure done by medical professionals and this is used in diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal infections in which a small amount of amniotic tissues/fluid is extracted in the amnion sac and submit it for examinations.

Amniocentesis (Amnio)

This is usually performed in second trimester from 15 weeks of pregnancy. The procedure done is letting the mother take analgesic first to relieve the pain or let her feel less discomfort when a needle is inserted in her abdominal wall then passing through the uterus then to amnion and this done also with the aid of ultrasound guidance and extracting at least 20 ml of amniotic fluid. The following patients who are required to have amniocentesis are those with family history of genetic abnormalities, if an ultrasound showed congenital problem in the fetus and if the mother is more than 35 years old.

What are the common chromosomal abnormalities that can be detected in amniocentesis? These are Down Syndrome, Trisomy 13, Trisomy 16, Fragile X, neural tube defects and later it can also detect infection, Rh incompatibility and prediction of maturity of the lungs. The earlier the detection of abnormalities the better because there will be an early medical management. So if you are pregnant try and seek amniocentesis (amnio) test.

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