When Can Amniocentesis Be Performed While At Risk For Down Syndrome?

Posted on Wed, 27 Sep 2017

Question: Hi ,
I am 14 weeks and recently detected with high risk on Down Syndrome which is (1:6).
I have been recommended to take up amniocentesis, Want to know whats the best time to do this ? And what are the risk involved ?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Between 16-20weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for trusting hcm about your health care.
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.
You can go for amniocentasis at 16-20weeks of pregnancy.
It is an invasive procedure to rule out the generic abnormalities in foetus along with other test like triple marker test and second level ultrasonography.
As it is an invasive procedure so the chances of misscarriage,infection and bleeding are there.
But with expert hand the risk of miscarriage are very low and it is a definitely procedure to rule out genetic abnormalities in foetus.
So you can go for this test to rule out genetic abnormalities in your case
Hope found useful, feel free to ask more information.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar