Amniocentesis is a prenatal test involving an analysis of the mother’s amniotic fluid. It is a very effective baby gender predictor with over 99% level of accuracy. Amniotic fluid is the liquid surrounding your baby and both protects and nourishes your baby during its growth. However, note that the test is normally taken in order to determine whether or not a baby has any chromosome abnormalities or other genetic defects.
When is an amniocentesis done?
An amniocentesis test is normally conducted at around 15 to 22 weeks into a pregnancy when there is a need or desire to check for chromosome abnormalities that indicate a condition such as Down syndrome, Edward syndrome or Turner syndrome. The test can also identify the presence of neural tube defects or other health problems depending on the parents’ genetic history.
How is the amniocentesis procedure done?
The process uses a thin needle which is carefully inserted through the mother’s abdominal wall to extract about 3 to 4 teaspoons worth of amniotic fluid from around the baby. This is made as safe as possible by using ultrasound to locate a suitable area away from your baby where the liquid can be taken easily. Using the ultrasound is essential, and your doctor may take up to twenty minutes to make absolutely sure the best pocket of amniotic fluid is located. The area on your belly is then cleaned with alcohol or an iodine solution before the injection is made. The injection and extraction do not take long and are normally complete within one or two minutes. The ultrasound will be used throughout to help the process and you may be able to hear the recording of your baby’s heartbeat as well.
What will I feel during an amniocentesis?
Although the amniocentesis test is an invasive procedure, it is not as painful as it might sound. Before the actual procedure there will be a consultation with your doctor and plenty of time to discuss the details of the process, plus someone can accompany you during the procedure if you wish.
You may choose the option of a local anaesthetic to ease any pain, although this pain-relief injection is probably more painful than the amniocentesis injection itself. During the amniocentesis injection you will feel a sting, like with any other injection, followed by possibly some cramping similar to period pains. The experience and degree of discomfort varies from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy, but bear in mind that the amniocentesis test itself is generally considered a routine and low-pain procedure.
After the test you may still feel some cramping and are advised to avoid strenuous exercise or lifting for the next couple of days. The wound itself heals quickly in about a day or so and the amniotic fluid removed is also replaced quickly. A very small percentage of women may experience more painful cramping, possibly some vaginal spotting or leaking amniotic fluid. Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
How does amniocentesis detect baby gender?
The amniotic fluid extracted is analysed during a number of different tests including an examination of your baby’s chromosomes under a microscope. The chromosome analysis will clearly identify whether your baby is a boy or a girl as the 23rd chromosome pairing will either be XY or XX. An XY pair denotes a boy, whereas an XX pair is for a girl. The amniotic fluid is used because it contains cells that are shed from the baby’s skin, the amnion sac and also from the baby’s urinary tracts. All these cells will contain chromosomes that can be studied.
Other tests are conducted including a measurement of the quantity of a protein called alphafetoprotein. High quantities of this protein may indicate the presence of neural tube defects. This test of the quantity of alphafetoprotein will probably be conducted even if the test was taken to check chromosome health and confirm baby gender. Other tests can also be made that analyse DNA and enzyme presence to diagnose other possible genetic defects.
Results should be available within two weeks and possibly much sooner depending on the number of tests. All results will be sent directly to your doctor for their assessment before they schedule an appointment with you to discuss the findings.
How accurate are amniocentesis results?
The amniocentesis test has a greater than 99% chance of identifying your baby’s gender and a greater than 99% chance of identifying the presence of nearly all known chromosomal disorders including Down syndrome and Edward’s syndrome. Also be reassured that over 95% of mothers who take the test receive good news and that the chance for any couple to have a child with a birth defect or health problem is less than 3%.
What are the risks of amniocentesis?
The first thing to note is that direct injury to your baby during an amniocentesis is extremely unlikely with continuous and careful ultrasound guidance. However, you should know that the test does involve a small risk of miscarriage. Studies state that there is approximately a 0.5% chance that the procedure may cause a miscarriage, and that the primary influencing factors are the skill and experience of the doctor or technician performing the process. Even though the risk is low, it is recommended that you make enquiries of the doctor and their practice to ensure they are experienced and competent with the procedure. If you are unsure, seek a second opinion. There is also a secondary risk of getting an infection of the uterus in the days following the test. The risk is low, less than 0.001%, however this may again lead to miscarriage and therefore consulting your doctor is recommended. Because of these risks, normally both parents are requested to sign a consent form before the procedure to confirm that you acknowledge the possible implications.
Should I have amniocentesis?
When deciding whether or not to have an amniocentesis test, you will need to weigh your desire to know about your baby’s health against the small risk that the test could result in a miscarriage. Discuss the matter carefully with your doctor, partner and counsellor if necessary. You may be more likely to consider having an amniocentesis test if you:
• Are to be 35 years of age or greater at delivery
• Have already had a child with a chromosome or other genetic disorder
• Have a chromosome or other genetic disorder yourself
• Have had an ultrasound that suggests possible foetal abnormalities
• Have had a maternal screen that indicated your baby may be at a higher risk to have health problem.
Conclusions
Whilst the amniocentesis test is an extremely accurate baby gender predictor, this is not recommended as the primary reason to take the test. If any of the situations described above apply to you, then you may want to consider an amniocentesis test. The test should hopefully put your mind at rest about any possible health problems your baby may have, and at the same time confirm your baby’s gender.
If you are less than 16 weeks into your pregnancy and wish to know the gender, you may want to consider other options such a baby gender predictor product.
