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What is Amniocentesis?

“Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities, foetal infections and sex determination.”

Amniocentesis: Reproductive Health | Additional Study Material for NEET


Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure undergone during pregnancy. It is most commonly used to check the baby’s chromosomes.

Amniocentesis is performed occasionally to examine diseases during pregnancy such as infections or genetic disorder. This procedure is done by taking out the amniotic fluid. We do not usually need a local anaesthetic.

The foetus is surrounded by the amniotic fluid that contains foetal cells and other substances such as alpha foetoprotein. It also protects the foetus from any mechanical injury and helps in regulating the temperature of the foetus. The cells and substances present in the amniotic fluid provide important information about the baby’s health before birth.

Why is Amniocentesis performed?

The amniocentesis is performed to check:

  • If the karyotype (the chromosomes) of the baby is (are) normal
  • If there is evidence of a neural tube defect (spina bifida or open spine)
  • If there is evidence that the baby might have had an infection
  • If the lungs of the baby are ready to breathe

Procedure of Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis follows the following procedure:

  • The patient is made to lie down on the table and asked to place the hands behind the head.
  • The blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate are checked.
  • An ultrasound is performed to scan the heart rate of the foetus, position of the placenta, foetus, umbilical cord and locate the pocket of amniotic fluid.
  • The abdomen is cleansed with an antiseptic and is injected with anaesthesia.
  • A long, thin, hollow needle is inserted into the uterus to collect the amniotic fluid.
  • The collected fluid is placed in a light protected container.
  • The heart rate of the foetus and the patient are reassessed.
  • The collected fluid is sent to the laboratory for examination.

Risks Involved In Amniocentesis

The risks involved in amniocentesis include:

  • Risk of Miscarriages
  • Risk of Injuries.
  • Cramping
  • Leaking of amniotic fluid from the puncture site or vagina
  • Preterm labour
  • Risk of Injuries
  • Injuries to the baby by the needle are exceedingly rare now since the procedure is done under ultrasound guidance.

Risk of Miscarriages

Risks of miscarriages still exist but have also come down significantly.

Miscarriages might result from bleeding from the baby if one of the vessels of the baby is cut by the needle (this is very rare) or might result from an infectious disease, rupture of the membranes, or spontaneous labour.

This is the reason why we clean the skin very carefully before inserting the needle.

Occasionally a baby might also die after a normal amniocentesis due to unexplained reasons.

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Care after the Amniocentesis

Complications of the amniocentesis are rare, but in order to be on the safe side, one can follow the following precautions.

  • No lifting kids or groceries
  • no aerobic classes
  • no jogging
  • no intercourse 
  • strenuous activity.
  • By the next day, one can get back to their normal schedule. In case of any unusual cramps, bleeding, leakage of fluid, chills or fever, let the doctor be informed about the same.
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Ban on Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis had been banned in India in 1994, under the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act. This was because amniocentesis could reveal the sex of the foetus. Since a girl child is not accepted in many parts of the country, the female foetus is aborted in most of the cases. To stop this, amniocentesis was banned in India.

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FAQs on Amniocentesis: Reproductive Health - Additional Study Material for NEET

1. What is amniocentesis and why is it performed?
2. How is amniocentesis performed and is it painful?
Ans. During amniocentesis, a thin needle is carefully inserted through the mother's abdomen into the amniotic sac to collect a small sample of amniotic fluid. The procedure is guided by ultrasound imaging to ensure accuracy and safety. While some women may experience mild discomfort, the procedure itself is not usually painful. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area before the needle insertion.
3. What are the risks associated with amniocentesis?
Ans. Although amniocentesis is generally considered safe, there are some potential risks involved. These include a small risk of miscarriage (around 1 in 400 to 1 in 500), leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, injury to the fetus or mother, and Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers.
4. What can the results of amniocentesis reveal?
Ans. The results of amniocentesis can provide information about the baby's chromosomal makeup, such as detecting Down syndrome and other genetic disorders. It can also determine the sex of the baby and identify certain birth defects, neural tube defects, and lung maturity.
5. Who should consider undergoing amniocentesis?
Ans. Amniocentesis is typically recommended for women who have a higher risk of having a baby with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. This may include women who are 35 years old or older, have a family history of genetic disorders, have had abnormal prenatal screening results, or have had a previous child with a genetic condition. The decision to undergo amniocentesis should be made after discussing the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.
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