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:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

When is my next medical appointment?

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

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 hints:

• Eating and drinking:
  
  
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you have more energy and heal faster. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
    
    
  • Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Follow your caregiver's advice if you must change the amount of liquid you drink. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Try to drink enough liquid each day, and not just when you feel thirsty.
  
  
• Start exercising: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising can help make your heart stronger, lower your blood pressure, and keep you healthy.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Avoid stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing. Talk to your caregiver about things that upset you.

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 (increased body temperature).
  
  
• 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.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

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