When?
Usually occurs between weeks 15 and 18 after the last menstruation. In most cases the result takes about two weeks.
How?
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure by which a sample of amniotic fluid. It uses ultrasound to guide the actions of the doctor inserts a needle through the mother’s abdomen to reach the amniotic fluid. The doctor will remove a sample of amniotic fluid and then verify the baby’s heartbeat.
Why is it done?
Amniocentesis is performed to determine if the baby has:
* Any abnormality of chromosomes.
* Any disease that affects your metabolism serious birth defects such as spina bifida or Down syndrome.
* Diseases caused by an abnormal gene, metabolic, neurological, and so on.
* Also determine the sex of the baby.
* In case you need to check lung development, amniocentesis was carried out during the third quarter.
