Amniocentesis Medical Test

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that allows your healthcare practitioner to gather information about your baby's health and development from a sample of your amniotic fluid. Amniocentesis is usually done when a woman is between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant. This test does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. You must sign a consent form. Your bladder must be full for the ultrasound. There are no food or fluid restrictions. Women who choose to have this test are primarily those at increased risk for genetic and chromosomal problems, in part because the test is invasive and carries a small risk of miscarriage. Amniocentesis can be done as soon as there is enough amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus that a sample can be removed safely. Amniocentesis is not as risky to the child as chorionic villus sampling although villus sampling can be done earlier. Amniocentesis is considered to be an elective procedure, but it is usually recommended for women older than 35. Age 35 is customarily when physicians start recommending this test.

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