Nine Months : The Amniocentesis procedure
THE AMNIOCENTESIS PROCEDURE
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An ultrasound scan is done to check the position of
the baby and the placenta
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While still monitoring the position on the screen using the transducer (ultrasound probe), a hollow needle is inserted through the wall of the abdomen and into the womb. |
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Extreme caution is exercised to ensure that the needle comes in contact with the amniotic fluid only (fluid surrounding the baby in the womb). |
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A sample of the amniotic fluid is sucked into the needle. |
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The fluid contains cells with the same chromosomes as the baby and these are studied to provide conclusive results. |
| Nine months |
