Amniocentesis pain?

I am new here and I'll give a little background before I ask my question, if that's ok.  I looked up "blighted ovum" here about a month ago, but I didn't post or register at the time.  Long story short, after being told I was miscarrying after two US (the second one at 8 weeks and both done transvaginally), my doctor suggested a D&C because my uterus was large.  I told him I'd rather wait.  He said he could also give me cytotec, but again, I told him I wanted to wait and see if my body can do what it needs to do on its own.  Almost two weeks later, I still had no cramps or bleeding.  My doctor sent me for another US to see what was going on (to see if maybe I was absorbing it or if there may be infection).  The technician started the ultrasound, gave me a surprised look, flipped a switch and I hear a heartbeat.  Totally normal US.  Needless to say, I'm not trusting testing and those who interpret tests much at this point.  I went for a nuchal translucency US and multiple marker test this past Friday and ended up not having it because of the uncertainty of the results (I was told that I could be falsely reassured or told something was very likely wrong when it wasn't).

I wasn't a candidate for CVS that day because of the placement of the placenta, so I'm going for an amniocentesis on the 15th of September.

I'd like to know about other women's experiences with this procedure.  I've read mixed things--that it hurts like you wouldn't believe and someone else said it was no big deal.  Any help you can provide will be very much appreciated.

Mickey

[duehring]

Why are they wanting to do a amniocentesis?

[Agiesmom]

I'm 42.  I want to know that all is well.  I am so worried about everything.  (Besides my age, I'm also high-risk because I've had gestational diabetes in the past and I also had a gastric bypass.)

[ark730]

Sorry I dont know much about amnio test. I went for genetic counciling on wed and one of my questions was if it hurt. She said no. I hope not! Im scheduled for amnio on september 8th. I am also high risk and 40. Do you have other children?

[Agiesmom]

Thank you!  I feel so much better after reading your reply!  I'm glad it went well for you with good results!  (I will definitely bring someone whose hand I can squeeze!)

Thanks, again!
Mickey

[girlybuff]

I had one at about 15 weeks because they found an early CF marker on my ultra sound at my peri-natal soecialist's office with the really advanced sono machine.
It was uncomfortable, not PAINFUL.  It's over very very quickly and my mental build up, probably like yourself, was a lot worse than the actual procedure which is over in seconds.
I cramped for about a day afterwards but it wasn't severe, just mentral like craamps.
I'm sure you'll get through it fine and they will tell you that everything is ok.  85% of amnios show that there isn o problem.  I like those odds.  Mine showed it was fine.
Try not to dwell on it too much and go with someone who's hand you can squeeze.  

[Agiesmom]

Yes...we have a 10-year-old boy.  We kept putting off having another child over the years for various reasons and then I was told I was too old to remain on BC, so I went off of it and we decided to just see what happens.

Do you have other children?

[mommie2]

HI, I had an amnio when I went into premature labor with my 3 uear old. They were checking for infection. I really did not feel much. It will be fine

[Agiesmom]

Thank you for your reassurance!  I'm feeling so much better about it now!

Mickey

[larine]

I have two children with a genetic disorder and decided to do the amnio with my third to check for the disorder. I had it done almost a month ago when I was 17 weeks pregnant. It hurt but nothing intolerable. I reccomend havong someone take you to the appointment so that you can relax. As soon as I started driving home the cramping began and I felt a slight ache where the needle went in. It also was nothing intolerable, but I felt much better when laying down taking it easy. The cramping and soreness lasted for about 48 hours and it gave me an excuse to take it easy. Knowing the health of my son ahead of time far out ways and discomfort I felt. Best of luck!

[Lunamom2]

thank you for sharing your experience and everyone else as well. I'm having an amnio next week and was a bit stressed about it. I made the mistake of talking to my mom and my mother-in-law and they just made me feel more stress about having it done. After listening to what's been said about having an amnio, it has calmed my fears a lot.
Thank you,
:)

[AshleysMom]

Mine didn't hurt a bit.

[Lunamom2]

Hi!
Just returning to give an update on my Amnio I had just yesterday.
Mine didn't hurt either. Just when the needle went in initially there was a tiny pinch but I barely felt it and I didn't even feel the needle coming out. The doctor was very nice, he used a visualization technique to help me keep my mind off what he was doing like saying to me "your on a beautiful carribean island it's so peaceful and serene, the ocean is calm and the palm trees are swaying gently...etc..."
I just closed my eyes and breathed slowly and it was over quickly. I've barely had any cramps if any.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It helped me deal with the whole experience of getting an Amnio which wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It certainly helps to talk to other women who have had the experience!

[AshleysMom]

That's great.  Glad to hear it.  Take it easy for a few days!  Good excuse to be a couch potato.

[lurdes]

I had an amnio with my 2nd pregnancy more than 13 years ago.  It was not painful and there was no "recovery time".  My daughter was a possible down syndrome and the test revealed that all was fine.  This past Sept. I had a CVS done and I found that to be a bit more painful (though not as bad as my period cramps) and I again had no complications.

[LovyH]

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