questions about amnio

sophabelle

due to our circumstances, it's pretty possible that we're going to end up doing an amnio... i don't really want to, and am going to do all the noninvasive tests we can do before doing this one... but i'd like to prepare myself just in case...

so anyone here done an amnio?  i'm just wondering what to expect.  i'm sure that it's not pleasant.... and the risk of miscarriage, while low, really really worries me.  any advice?  

 

flamencogal

We did not do an amnio for either pregnancy but did some research in prep for possibly doing one.  My brother has some genetic problems that put me at higher risk.  If any of the 1st or 2nd trimester screenings had shown anything, I would have had an amnio. I'd rather know ahead of time of any issues so I could find out more, line up the best docs, etc.

I have had several friends have amnios.  From their experiences and our research about them, yes there is a chance of miscarriage but if you go to a specialist (presumably the best of the best) the chances are even lower than those commonly cited.  But of course there is still some risk.

I obviously can't speak to the experience of the amnio but from what I understand it's like you said--not pleasant and certainly anxiety provoking but not horrible.  I think they advise you to rest for some time after it.  If you ask on the high risk board, there will be several people who could chime in more about the experience itself. 

GL!
 

tracey4228

I had one due to elevated NT scan results. Our amnio results were normal.

Here's how my procedure went: We started with an in-depth ultrasound and then the doctor came in. They continued to use the ultrasound to see where DD (although we didn't know she was a DD then!) was to avoid her. The doctor had me put my hands together on my chest to make sure I didn't move, flinch, etc. He told me to lay really still. I could have looked at the needle or watched it on the u/s but I decided to just close my eyes. There was a sharp prick, almost like a small pinch and then another one that was sharper as they inserted the needle. They said there is no point in numbing the belly since they can't numb the uterus! The weirdest part was the tugging sensation as they pulled the fluid. Then the doctor pulled out the needle and we were done - not even a band-aid! The needle is really quite small in diameter so there wasn't even a noticeable hole.

They sent me home with instructions to take it easy but not to necessarily stay in bed. I was so stressed out from worry that I decided to take a nap. I didn't have cramping but there was a soreness on the underside of my belly. It felt more like a muscle ache than anything. 

The next day, I took it relatively easy and just listened to my body. At one point, I got very achy and sore in the abdomen so I just sat down, stopped cleaning and drank a lot of water. The tenderness passed relatively quickly.

I know everyone's procedure is a little different. Hope this helps! If you want more details, just let me know at tracey4228 at yahoo.

sophabelle

tracey4228:

I had one due to elevated NT scan results. Our amnio results were normal.

Here's how my procedure went: We started with an in-depth ultrasound and then the doctor came in. They continued to use the ultrasound to see where DD (although we didn't know she was a DD then!) was to avoid her. The doctor had me put my hands together on my chest to make sure I didn't move, flinch, etc. He told me to lay really still. I could have looked at the needle or watched it on the u/s but I decided to just close my eyes. There was a sharp prick, almost like a small pinch and then another one that was sharper as they inserted the needle. They said there is no point in numbing the belly since they can't numb the uterus! The weirdest part was the tugging sensation as they pulled the fluid. Then the doctor pulled out the needle and we were done - not even a band-aid! The needle is really quite small in diameter so there wasn't even a noticeable hole.

They sent me home with instructions to take it easy but not to necessarily stay in bed. I was so stressed out from worry that I decided to take a nap. I didn't have cramping but there was a soreness on the underside of my belly. It felt more like a muscle ache than anything. 

The next day, I took it relatively easy and just listened to my body. At one point, I got very achy and sore in the abdomen so I just sat down, stopped cleaning and drank a lot of water. The tenderness passed relatively quickly.

I know everyone's procedure is a little different. Hope this helps! If you want more details, just let me know at tracey4228 at yahoo.

THANK YOU so much for sharing that with me!  i can't believe they didn't even give you a bandaid!  that just seems crazy to me lol!  i'm really nervous about the thought of having one, but then i'm nervous about a boat load of stuff right now lol.  and i'm having a really hard time figuring out how the heck you don't flinch.... :-/ 

tracey4228

I know what you mean - I kept telling DH I expected to spring a leak without a band-aid! But it's such a tiny gauge needle, your body seals up quickly. I expected to jump or flinch but knowing that I needed to stay still for DD's sake made it surprisingly easy. G/L!!