Impact of Results :
If you have family history of genetic disorders, if you get positive results during prenatal screening test, amniocentesis is done. The result of amniocentesis test will throw light about various health issues of the fetus. Sometimes it can determine whether you would continue the pregnancy or not. Women diagnosed with chromosomal abnormality in the fetus or with Down’s syndrome will have to make decisions about proceeding with the pregnancy.
This procedure can be done anytime during the pregnancy. Genetic amniocentesis is done if the mother is having neural tube defect or abnormal chromosomal condition or if she is above 35 years or if she or her partner has any family history of genetic problem. This test can determine whether the fetus has Down’s syndrome or congenital heart problem or cystic fibrosis. If your doctor suspects any abnormality in the lungs, then she may perform amniocentesis after 32 weeks of pregnancy.
In some cases, maturity amniocentesis is done to prevent any complications for the mother during delivery. Amniocentesis is also performed to rule out any serious illness or infectious diseases on the fetus. Babies with Rh sensitization are prone to severe anemia in which case this test is done to test the baby’s blood cells. Amniocentesis is done if the doctor suspects any placental problems or premature labor or weak cervical tissue or if the mother is unable to continue pregnancy for any reason.
Women having children with birth defect should undergo amniocentesis for the second child to rule out any anomalies. This test can give information about the baby’s growth and whether he/she has any illnesses like sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy. In some women, this is done to reduce the quantity of amniotic fluid in the uterus.