Amnio?

Aubs13

Talk to me about an amniocentesis, please.

I'm headed for my Anatomy Scan next Thursday, which is going to be included in our genetic counseling session.  My doctor said that after the u/s, they may decide we need further testing, which may or may not include an amniocentesis.

Once he said this, the color drained from my face and I could feel myself ready to pass out already!  I'm going to start research with Dr. Google, but I'd appreciate any input about risks, personal experience, etc...

Thanks, ladies.

ravenorchid

The risks vary by hospital, but at Mt. Sinai (where we're getting our CVS) the rate of loss is low, 1/1000. Hopefully, you won't even need one. ((Hugs))

Aubs13

ravenorchid:

The risks vary by hospital, but at Mt. Sinai (where we're getting our CVS) the rate of loss is low, 1/1000. Hopefully, you won't even need one. ((Hugs))

One of my VERY good friends works there!! 
Thanks for the info.  I'll have to look into the risks at the hospital we're headed to.  They're looking to test us for a specific genetic disorder that DH's sister has, so we just have to figure out if the testing would be for DH (bloodwork to see if he's a carrier) or directly with me.

PrincessDi80

From what I understand an amnio is very similar to CVS testing (both involve needles, just one takes tissue from the placenta, and one takes amniotic fluid).  An amnio actually has a lower risk rate than the CVS.  Hopefully you won't need one at all!

kjr

I had an amnio last year.  In all honesty, it wasn't painful or anything.  Maybe a little uncomfortable for a moment.  I was really just so worried about what we would find out that I didn't even pay attention to the needle. 

After the amnio, they had me go home and take it easy and not lift anything heavy for like 24 hours.  I felt fine, though.  Mentally, I was a mess, but physically fine. 

 

Shemico

I did an amnio at 16 w with this pg to check on the chance of LO having an unbalanced translocation.

I believe the overall risk is 1/200 of m/c but does vary hospital to hospital. The more experienced they are at doing the proceedure the better.

The actual proceedure wasn't too bad. I found them pushing on me with the u/s wand more unconfotable then the needle. After I had to rest at the hospital in a reclining chair for about 30 minutes then I was sent home to stay off my feet as much as possible for the rest of the day. I felt kind of weird after and a bit dizzy (probably from nerves) and had some pelvic pressure the next day. I did go back to work the next day.