Amniocentesis

If you are pregnant and have an increased risk of having a child with certain genetic conditions or birth defects, your provider may recommend amniocentesis.
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Amniocentesis is a test that involves removing amniotic fluid from the uterus during pregnancy to look for certain genetic conditions. While this test can accurately diagnose many genetic conditions, it does not screen for all of them.

Any pregnant person can have this procedure, but your provider may recommend amniocentesis if:

  • You have a family history of a genetic condition
  • You have had abnormal serum screening results  
  • A birth defect was found on an ultrasound
  • You are older than 35 years of age 

Our approach to amniocentesis

University of Iowa Health Care is home to Iowa’s most experienced maternal-fetal medicine specialists and only prenatal genetic counseling service, allowing us to offer advanced diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis.

Our team of experts will guide you every step of the way, helping you understand your options, the benefits and risks of testing, and what the results mean, so you can make informed decisions about your and your baby’s health.

What to expect with amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is usually performed after 16 weeks of pregnancy. While your experience may look a little different based on your situation, these are the main steps involved in an amniocentesis.

Before the procedure

You will first have an ultrasound to check your baby’s position. You’ll also meet with a genetic counselor to talk about the benefits of amniocentesis in relation to your personal values, beliefs, and needs. They will also discuss the risks and limits of amniocentesis. They will also talk to you about amniocentesis consent.

During the procedure

Using the ultrasound for guidance, your provider places a thin needle through your abdomen into the uterus and removes a small amount of amniotic fluid. This fluid contains fetal cells that can be tested.

  • The procedure usually takes 1–2 minutes.
  • You may feel pressure, a brief pinch, or mild cramping.

After the procedure

If your blood type is Rh‑negative, you will receive a shot of RhoGAM® after the procedure. This helps prevent Rh incompatibility in future pregnancies.

Your care team will explain what to expect at home and how to take care of yourself, including getting enough rest and not lifting anything over 15 pounds for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Risks
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Rupture of membranes  
  • Miscarriage (1 in 900, or less than 1%)
Results

Results may provide information about the health of your baby, helping your providers understand the best way to care for you and your child.

Results take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to return, depending on the type of tests being completed. When your test results have returned, your care team will work with you to understand what they mean, what you can expect, and your options moving forward.

Who could benefit from amniocentesis

You may consider amniocentesis if:

  • You had abnormal results from a prenatal screening test, such as serum or cell-free DNA screening. Amniocentesis can help to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
  • You had an abnormal ultrasound. Some findings put the baby at higher risk for an infection or genetic condition. You may choose amniocentesis to learn more about the genetic makeup of your child or if your baby has a viral infection.
  • You want to learn about the genetic makeup of your baby.
  • You have a family history or are known carriers of a genetic condition. Which tests are completed during amniocentesis is decided by your personal and family health history, certain test records, and after speaking with a genetic counselor.

Alternatives to amniocentesis

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is another type of prenatal test that can detect or diagnose genetic conditions or abnormalities. It is performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy and collects placenta for testing instead of amniotic fluid.  

Unlike amniocentesis, CVS can’t screen for certain birth defects, including neural tube defects like spina bifida or structural issues such as heart conditions.

Not sure whether amniocentesis is right for you?

When you call, we’ll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
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Amniocentesis/chorionic villus sampling