Amniocentesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Amniocentesis - Essay Example This sampling allows the doctors to look for any genetic abnormalities in the chromosomes, infections, or any other possible factors which could impact the fetal development. For example, defects in chromosome 21 such as trisomy-21, can be detected and can help later on should Down syndrome develop. One of the most common things that the process can pick up is the Rh factor. This is where the blood type of the baby does not match the blood type of the mother. In this case an immunosuppressant, Rh immunoglobin, has to be given to the mother in order to keep the mother’s immune system from attacking the fetus. This procedure is usually conducted between fourteen and twenty weeks; however it has been known to be performed as early as eleven weeks. The procedure itself takes around forty five minutes to complete and results can be handed back between a few days and a few weeks (American Pregnancy Association, 2006). There are, however, potential risks associated with the use of am niocentesis which should be taken into account for. The primary risk associated with amniocentesis is miscarriage. The most obvious, but rare complication, is that the needle actually hits the developing fetus and damages them. This is closely controlled through the use of sonogram technology.