Amniocentesis
- What is amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis involves the examination of cells in the amniotic fluid (fluid around the fetus).
The cells in the amniotic fluid originate from the baby and so the chromosomes present in these cells are the same as those of the baby.
- How is amniocentesis done?
Amniocentesis involves passing a thin needle into the uterus in order to obtain a small volume of amniotic fluid. The needle is carefully observed using an ultrasound scan.
The fluid is fetal urine and the amount removed by amniocentesis reaccumulates within a few hours.
The procedure lasts 5-10 minutes and afterwards, we check that the fetal heartbeat is normal.
Chorion villus sampling
- What is chorion villus sampling?
Chorion villus sampling (CVS) involves the examination of chorionic villi (placental tissue). Both the baby and placenta originate from the same cell and so the chromosomes present in the cells of the placenta are the same as those of the baby.
- How is CVS done?
Local anesthetic is given. A fine needle is then passed through the mother’s abdomen and a sample of villi is taken. The needle is carefully observed using an ultrasound scan.
The procedure lasts 10- 15 minutes and afterwards, we check that the fetal heartbeat is normal.
Amnioreduction
An amnioreduction is a procedure where amniocentesis is performed for intentional reduction of amniotic fluid volume. This is performed in the context of extreme polyhydramnios (particularly in the recipient twin in twin to twin transfusion syndrome).
Multiple Pregnancy Reduction
Multiple Pregnancy Reduction is used when a mother is carrying an unsafe or undesirable number of fetuses in multiple pregnancies, which are common in medically assisted pregnancies, in order to reduce the number of fetuses to a number that is relatively safe for the mother and the remaining fetuses. It is also used in cases of multiple pregnancies where one or more of the fetuses has a serious and incurable disease.