Amniotic fluid analysis

The study of anmiótico liquid (water source) begins by extracting a small amount of the uterine cavity, a procedure known as anmiocentésis. This is done usually in the same doctor or clinic or hospital, usually when the patient presents the 16 weeks of pregnancy, counting from the first day of the final rule.
Before performing the procedure, an ultrasound should be performed to identify the location of the fetus, placenta, and where the greatest amount of amniotic fluid. Once detected and identified inserts a thin needle through the skin of the abdomen to the uterus, removing approximately one ounce of amniotic fluid. This fluid contains cells that have detached from the fetus and can be analyzed to reveal some genetic diseases. Usually the procedure is not painful.

The examinations can be done with this fluid are: to detect abnormalities in the chromosomes. A chromosome that is missing, or is changed on the position will cause many changes in the fetus and these almost always lead to serious birth defects, mental retardation or both. The most common is Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra chromosome

The study is also indicated in the family if there is a known risk of genetic disease or hereditary and which can be analyzed before birth.

Malformations of the spine (spina bifida) can be detected with the study of amniotic fluid.
Every pregnancy is a risk that is too small to have birth defects, eg harelip, hernia, mental retardation and defects in the heart.
Advanced maternal age is a good reason to conduct this review, since between 15 and 29 years the frequency of abnormality is approximately 1 in 700 births and 49 years of age is 1 in every 8 births.
Like any invasive procedure has its risks, which are: abortion, which is not common to be the most serious risk of the procedure, bleeding, cramping, loss of amniotic fluid per vagina, the infection is very rare, injury to the fetus with the needle is practically zero, and so on.

There is a waiting period for results is approximately two weeks, which can cause great anxiety in parents, but is normal in terms of delay in completion of the review. Thus, to avoid surprises, it is a fundamental good prenatal care in all pregnancies of women and to meet the letter of medical indications.

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