These sound waves return a digital screen image (3). It does this by emitting sound waves into the uterus through the stomach. In pregnancy, an ultrasound scan is sensitive enough to detect abnormally high or low amniotic fluid levels. Although it can be difficult to determine how many miscarriages are the direct result of amniocentesis, it is believed to be anywhere from 1 in 200 to 1 in 400. While amniocentesis is generally viewed as a safe test, it does have possible risks, including miscarriage (2). It is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, where any chromosomal defects can be picked up. What Happens During Amniocentesis?Īlthough your health care provider may recommend this test for different reasons, it is mainly used to detect fetal or genetic abnormalities in your baby.Ī very thin needle is inserted into the amniotic sac through your abdomen to draw out some liquid. If your doctor wants to deliver your baby early due to complications, they may perform a procedure called amniocentesis to assess fetal lung maturity. If the clinician has advised that your fluid levels don’t seem right, they will follow you more closely. Sometimes, amniotic fluid levels don’t appear to be within normal limits on a scan. However, your amniotic fluid is only examined via a sonogram. At my first scan, all I wanted to know was if there was a heartbeat.ĭuring your prenatal visits, you will have blood tests, bump measurements, and your health care provider will take your blood pressure. I’ll admit, I never really knew what my obstetrician was doing. While you are just excited to see your baby waving at you from within, the sonographer will be taking down lots of information. Other parts of the biophysical profile include your baby’s breathing, movements, and flexion. These measurements are also done as part of a fetal biophysical profile to understand your baby’s health in the uterus. They will do this repeatedly if your measurements are low or high or if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Particularly during your second and third trimesters, your sonographer will take detailed measurements of the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. If fluid levels change, the umbilical cord’s health can be compromised.Īt some point in your pregnancy, you’ll likely have an ultrasound scan, along with other tests.
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