Everything You Need to Know Before Deciding on Amniocentesis

At Leumit, we believe that the decision to undergo amniocentesis should be in your hands. Your health and the health of your baby are important to us, which is why we have ensured that you have the option to undergo amniocentesis with minimal self-participation at any age.
From the age of 33, the test is free as part of the health package.

*Subjected to supplementary insurance plan conditions.

Test Name

Amniocentesis, amniotic fluid analysis.

What is Amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is meant to detect fetal structural defects and/or genetic diseases. The fetus grows in the womb within a sac containing amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid contains cells derived from the fetal skin, digestive system, and respiratory system, carrying its genetic material. Amniocentesis allows us to:

• Examine the chromosomal structure of the fetus – Amniocentesis checks for all conditions where there is a deficiency or excess of a chromosome or a segment of a chromosome.
• Detect whether the fetus is affected by specific inherited diseases, in cases where there is an increased risk that the fetus may be affected (for example, when parents are carriers or previous pregnancies where the fetus suffered from a chromosomal disease or a neural tube defect).
• Measure the level of fetal protein in the amniotic fluid. A high level of fetal protein can indicate some structural defect, usually in the nervous system.
• Check for uterine infections such as CMV and others.
• Provide an answer to suspicions of chromosomal abnormalities arising from unusual ultrasound findings.
• In the advanced stages of pregnancy when there is a concern about preterm birth, amniocentesis can be performed to assess the maturity of the fetal lungs.
• The test is recommended for women with an increased risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome or other inherited diseases, as per genetic counseling recommendations.
• Additional tests can also be performed on amniotic fluid, such as tests to diagnose inherited diseases or tests for fetal chromosomal abnormalities using molecular techniques called genetic microarray analysis. This method can identify severe genetic syndromes beyond those that can be detected by the regular amniocentesis method.

When and How is the Test Performed?

The test is performed after the 16th week of pregnancy and can be done at any time from this point onwards, until the end of the pregnancy. However, it is generally avoided between weeks 22-32 due to concerns about causing premature labor in an immature fetus.

The doctor observes the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid using ultrasound. The abdomen is sterilized and a thin needle inserted through the abdominal wall into the amniotic sac. The doctor then withdraws about 20-40 mL of fluid, which is harmless to the fetus, and replenishes itself within hours.

The procedure lasts only a few minutes and is done under continuous monitoring and ultrasound guidance, with minimal risk of harming the fetus.

Apart from a mild pricking sensation, the procedure is not painful. It is possible that after the amniocentesis, you may feel some pain at the puncture site or experience mild contractions lasting about 24 hours.
*Rh-negative women will receive an anti-D injection after the test.

Who Should Consider Amniocentesis?

There are several medical indications for which amniocentesis is recommended:

• The mother's age at the beginning of pregnancy is 33 or older - there is a direct correlation between the mother's age and the risk of giving birth to a child with a chromosomal disorder (such as Down syndrome). Amniocentesis is included in the health package starting at age 33.
• First-trimester biochemical screening results are high – when the test results indicate an increased risk (greater than 1:380) of having a child with Down syndrome, amniocentesis is recommended.
  Previous Pregnancy with a Chromosomal Abnormality Issue.
• Carrying a Chromosomal Abnormality by One of the Parents - In this case, the suspected gene in amniotic fluid will be examined, in addition to checking the number and structure of chromosomes.
• Ultrasound findings during a nuchal translucency assessment or evaluation of other fetal systems indicate a chromosomal abnormality.
• What the parents want - many decide to undergo the test without medical indications. At Leumit, we believe that parents have the right to decide whether they want the test.

Medical Guidelines for Mothers After the Test

After amniocentesis, it is advisable to rest for 24 hours and avoid strenuous activities. Sexual intercourse and air travel should be avoided for at least 72 hours.

Getting the Test Results

The timing of receiving the results depends on the growth rate of fetal cells in the laboratory. Typically, results are obtained within about three weeks, but it may take longer.

Risks of the Test

Amniocentesis is intended to enable the exclusion of chromosomal abnormalities. However, the decision to undergo the test is not simple, as it carries a risk of about 0.5% of complications due to the test itself, such as infection, amniotic fluid leakage, and early contractions.

Drawbacks of Amniocentesis

A significant disadvantage of the test is that it is relatively late in pregnancy when results are obtained. At this stage of pregnancy, the cessation of pregnancy will require premature birth, which is a more complex process with emotional ramifications.
On rare occasions, the sampled cells may not grow, and they cannot be analyzed.
Sometimes, results may be inconclusive, or a chromosomal problem may be detected with unclear implications, necessitating further decisions, additional tests, and so on.

Warnings and Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

After an amniocentesis, we recommended you rest for 24 hours. If you any experience fever, amniotic fluid leakage, vaginal bleeding, or frequent and painful contractions, seek immediate medical attention.

Amniocentesis at Leumit

For women aged 33 or older at the beginning of pregnancy, or for women with medical indications recommending amniocentesis, the test is part of the health package and is provided free of charge.

Younger women, under the age of 33, can choose to have an amniocentesis with a lowco=pay or receive a reimbursement of up to 80% of the costs through Leumit’s pregnancy package.

Press here for more information about having an amniocentesis