2. Amnion;
A membrane that closely covers
the embryo when first formed.
It fills with the amniotic fluid which causes
the amnion to expand and become
the amniotic sac which serves to provide a
protective environment for the developing
embryo or fetus.
3. What is amniocentesis?
A prenatal procedure that is performed in
order to remove and examine fluid from the
amniotic sac that surrounds the developing
fetus.
An ultrasound is used to determine a safe
spot for the insertion of the needle.
Fluid is sent to laboratory for analysis and
detection of chromosomal abnormalities, as
well as fetus lungs maturity
4. Needs for Amniocentesis;
Based on the developing fetus.
Amniocentesis determines abnormalities in
gene pairing.
Assesses the maturity of the baby’s lungs.
Diagnose or rule out a uterine infection.
Checks the health of the developing fetus,
including blood sensitization (blood RH)
mixing of parent and fetus blood.
5. How is it performed?
A needle is inserted into mothers abdomen.
A small amount of fluid(20 ml) which contains
fetal tissues is sampled from the amniotic sac.
After centrifugation fetal cells are separated.
(sex determination and DNA analysis).
Growth for weeks in culture medium to detect
metabolic disorders.
Most common abnormalities detected are
Down syndrome.
6. Amniocentesis Benefits;
Informs expecting parents of the possible
chromosomal abnormalities within 15-25
weeks of pregnancy.
Detects the following gene abnormalities:
– Mental retardation
– Down Syndrome ( Trisomy 21, three copies
of the chromosome)
– Turners Syndrome (absence of sex
chromosome X)
