Find out what you should expect with amniocentesis

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to be worried about having prenatal tests such as amniocentesis to check for genetic abnormalities in the baby. Amniocentesis is performed at various points during pregnancy for different reasons. The method used is to withdraw some of the amniotic fluid from the amnion or "bag of water" around the baby. This is done using a long needle that pokes through the skin of the abdomen and into the bag of water.

An ultrasound is performed during the procedure so that the needle may be guided into the fluid without poking the baby. With use of the ultrasound, it is unlikely that the baby would be poked with the needle, but in the event that this does occur, it generally does not cause any serious harm.

There is generally no anesthesia needed during an amniocentesis, as most women only experience the sensation of the needle poke and then some menstrual-like cramps as the needle passes into the uterus.

This prenatal test usually only takes five to ten minutes. After the procedure, you can expect to have some mild cramping. Some women will have a small amount of vaginal bleeding or vaginal leakage of amniotic fluid.

Amniocentesis can result in leakage of amniotic fluid, infection and other complications. These complications are thankfully rare and generally occur in less than 0.5 percent of all amniocentesis procedures.

You should avoid strenuous activity or intercourse on the day of the procedure. In general, you should be up to your normal activity a day after the amnio. You should contact your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding or large loss of fluid, severe cramping or a fever.