Amniocentesis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An amniocentesis (am-nee-oh-sen-TEE-sis) is a procedure done to take a sample of the fluid around your baby. This fluid is called amniotic (am-nee-OT-ik) fluid and is sent to the lab for tests. To get the fluid, your caregiver puts a needle through your skin and into your uterus (womb). The amniocentesis is also called an "amnio". The amnio is usually done between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. The amnio may also be done later in your pregnancy.
  
  
• An amnio may be done to look for genetic problems (problems a baby is born with). An amnio helps caregivers look for brain or spinal cord problems, or neural (NOOR-al) tube defects. A neural tube defect is a condition where the baby's spinal cord or skull does not completely close. An amnio may not detect all genetic and neural tube defects. An amnio may also show how much your baby's lungs have developed.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

When is my next medical appointment?

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

When can I begin my normal activities?

• After the amniocentesis, avoid standing for long periods of time. Try to rest more. You can usually start doing your normal activites the next day after your amnio. Take more rest breaks and avoid standing for long periods of time the day after the amnio too.
  
  
• Your caregiver will tell you if you may go to work on the day of your amniocentesis. If you can return to work after your amnio, rest or sit down whenever you can. Get at least eight hours of sleep the night after the amniocentesis.

What will I feel after the amniocentesis?

You may have a small amount of pain or cramping in your abdomen (belly) after the procedure. This may be normal as long as the pain or cramping is not getting worse. If you have pain or cramping, sit or lie down to see if the pain or cramping goes away. If it does not, call your caregiver.

Dos and Do nots:

• Do rest as much as possible for at least one day after the amniocentesis.
  
  
• Do drink plenty of fluids.
  
  
• Do not have sex for one day after the amniocentesis.
  
  
• Do not lift heavy objects.
  
  
• Do not do heavy exercise after the amniocentesis.
  
  
• Do not stand for long periods of time. Sit down as much as possible.

Wellness tips:

• Eat a variety of healthy foods: This may help you have more energy and heal faster. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Drink liquids as directed: Adults should drink between 9 and 13 eight-ounce cups of liquid every day. Ask what amount is best for you. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juice, and milk.
  
  
• Get plenty of exercise: Talk to your caregiver about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise can decrease your blood pressure and improve your health.
  
  
• Do not smoke: If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. You are more likely to have heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and other health problems if you smoke. Quitting smoking will improve your health and the health of those around you. If you smoke, ask for information about how to stop.
  
  
• Manage stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are more than 20 weeks pregnant and your baby is moving much more than before the amnio.
  
  
• You are more than 20 weeks pregnant and your baby is not moving as much after the amnio.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your pregnancy or your amnio.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have pain, cramping or tenderness in your belly that will not stop or feels like it is getting worse.
  
  
• You have bloody or pink-colored liquid from your vagina that will not stop.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Amniocentesis (Discharge Care)