AMNIOCENTESI - ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure involving ultrasound-guided amniotic fluid sampling for fetal genetic analysis. Performed between weeks 15–18, with results in 2–3 weeks.
What is amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is collected under ultrasound guidance for genetic and chromosomal analysis of the fetus. Amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that can be analyzed to detect chromosomal abnormalities, genetic diseases, and other conditions.
When is amniocentesis recommended?
- Abnormal double or triple test results: elevated risk for Down syndrome or other trisomies
- Maternal age over 35: increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities
- Family history of genetic diseases: cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia
- Previous child with chromosomal abnormality
- Ultrasound findings suggesting a possible anomaly
- Rh incompatibility: assessment of fetal anemia severity
How is amniocentesis performed?
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, without general anesthesia:
- Under continuous ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the amniotic sac
- 15–20 ml of amniotic fluid is collected
- The entire procedure takes 5–10 minutes
- Optimal timing: between weeks 15 and 18 of pregnancy
- Genetic test results are available within 2–3 weeks
Is amniocentesis safe?
- Amniocentesis is a routine procedure with decades of clinical practice
- Risk of complications (miscarriage) is 0.1–0.3% (1 in 300–1,000 procedures)
- Performed by an experienced specialist under continuous ultrasound monitoring
- At Palmotićeva, this procedure is performed with the highest safety standards
What happens after amniocentesis?
- Rest for 24–48 hours after the procedure is recommended
- Avoid physical exertion and sexual intercourse for 48 hours
- Mild discomfort at the puncture site is normal and resolves in 1–2 days
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: fluid leakage, bleeding, fever, or severe pain
What anomalies can amniocentesis detect?
- Chromosomal: Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
- Genetic diseases: cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease
- Neural tube defects: spina bifida, anencephaly (via alpha-fetoprotein)
- Fetal sex: with 100% accuracy
Performed by
Dr Đorđe Petković
Consultant in Operative & Endoscopic Gynaecology · 17+ years of experience
Patients often ask
Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a blood draw or mild pressure. The procedure is performed without general anesthesia and takes only 5–10 minutes.
The risk of miscarriage after amniocentesis is 0.1–0.3% (1 in 300–1,000). The procedure is performed by an experienced specialist under continuous ultrasound guidance.
The optimal time is between weeks 15 and 18 of pregnancy. During this period, the volume of amniotic fluid is sufficient for a safe procedure.
Genetic test results are typically available within 2–3 weeks. A rapid FISH test can provide preliminary results within 48 hours.
Amniocentesis detects chromosomal abnormalities (Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome), certain genetic diseases, and neural tube defects. It does not detect all possible genetic mutations.
