Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis, a genetic screening procedure that involves withdrawing amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus, using a needle (guided by ultrasound) inserted through the abdomen. The fetal cells in the fluid can then be analyzed for many possible disorders, such as Down syndrome, spina bifida, and glycogen storage diseases; tests also show the sex of the fetus, required in assessing the risk of X-linked genetic disorders. Amniocentesis can be performed at any time during a pregnancy. The laboratory analysis takes about two weeks time; it also carries some risk of miscarriage and of fetal or maternal hemorrhage. Even so, it is often recommended for women over 35 yrs of age, and for those with abnormally high alpha fetoprotein levels. Also, for those whose family history indicates a higher-than-normal possibility of a genetic disorder.

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This information was taken from, AOL keyword: Moms Online