What is amniocentesis and is it dangerous?

This article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Truong Nghia Binh - Obstetrician-Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital. Doctor has more than 13 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Amniocentesis is a procedure used in normal labor and is performed when the cervix is ​​dilated and the amniotic fluid is accessible. The purpose of amniocentesis is to actively let the amniotic fluid out, reduce amniotic fluid pressure, and shorten labor time.

Usually, a woman's water breaks when the baby is ready to come out of the womb. At that time, the amniotic membrane will rupture on its own, causing amniotic fluid to pass through the cervix to the vagina.
According to statistics, one in 12 mothers will have their water broken during labor. When the amniotic membrane breaks, the release of amniotic fluid will be gentle or violent. Many mothers often confuse membrane water with urine because urinary incontinence is a common symptom with pregnant women in the 3rd trimester.
Even, many pregnant women will not break water until delivery and a doctor or medical The nurse will perform amniocentesis. More rarely, many babies are born completely or semi-completely in the amniotic sac.

The amniotic membrane is thick, the cervix is ​​not progressing. Induction of a confinement or a caesarean section or a second pregnancy in a twin birth. Veggies clinging to the side, bleeding edges. Amniocentesis to slowly drain out amniotic fluid in case of polyhydramnios. Amniocentesis when the cervix is ​​fully dilated. Some maternal diseases need amniotomy to shorten labor, heart disease, severe preeclampsia when the cervix has dilated from 4cm or more.

Prepare an amniocentesis device, and at the same time explain to pregnant women the effects of amniotomy, instruct pregnant women in obstetric positions, breathe evenly, and do not push. It is necessary to listen to the fetal heart before performing, record the fetal heart rate, the intensity is even or irregular. Use sterile water to wash the vagina, the person performing the hand washing, wearing sterile gloves. The amniotomy with one hand inserts the amniocentesis needle into the vagina by holding the amniocentesis needle between 2 fingers towards the amniotic sac, waiting for the time of amniocentesis. If the amniotic sac is bulging, press the amniotic fluid outside of uterine contractions, if the amniotic sac is flattened, press during uterine contractions. Perform amniocentesis technique by: Gently push the needle into the amniotic membrane, at this time the amniotic fluid will flow out according to the finger, observing the amount and color. With the other hand, withdraw the amniocentesis needle. When the amniotic fluid drains out, tearing the amniotic membrane wide, check for placental prolapse, the limbs and fetal position are abnormal. Listen to the fetal heart again, review the condition of the cervix, the position of the fetus...

After amniocentesis, it is necessary to check again to see if there is a prolapse of the placenta, whether there is a prolapse of the limbs and if there is any change in the position of the fetus to have a timely treatment. Finally, listen to the fetal heart to see if it is normal or not, then measure the amount of amniotic fluid and determine the color of the amniotic fluid.
If the placenta prolapses after the amniotomy, the pregnant woman must lie down with her head low, her buttocks high, and use 2 fingers to push the placenta up, otherwise, cesarean section must be performed. If bleeding after amniotomy, or abnormal amniotic fluid (pink, blue) must find the cause for timely treatment.
Possible risks after early amniotomy:
Amniotic fluid infection, fetal infection. Lesions on the fetus: due to the amniocentesis needle touching the fetal part, causing injury. Causes posterior hematoma, severe can cause placental abruption. Causes hematoma in the abdominal wall. Induce labor. However, these risks are very rare. Doctors are very careful to limit the above risks: perform the procedure in aseptic conditions, amniocentesis under the guidance of ultrasound to avoid injury to the baby and trauma to the mother.

If amniocentesis is performed early with a mother with placenta previa, after amniocentesis, tear the amniotic membrane wide parallel to the border of the placenta to avoid tearing into the placenta causing bleeding.
If amniocentesis is done early with a mother with multiples, let the woman lie on her back with a high buttock, use a needle to poke a small hole in the amniotic fluid, poke out the uterine contractions, the amniotic fluid comes out slowly, when the amniotic fluid is almost gone. tear the amniotic membrane. If the amniotic fluid flows out, the mother will be easily shocked, the sudden decrease in abdominal pressure also makes the mother panic.
With transverse position: When there is indication for internal rotation of the fetus, after amniocentesis, it is necessary to tear the amniotic membrane wide, put your hand into the uterine cavity to find the fetal leg for internal rotation. In this case, it should be noted that the more amniotic fluid is kept in the uterus, the easier it is to rotate the fetus.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns receive comprehensive care.