Amniocentesis....

[blessedcsm]

I am 35 YRS old, I have another child but I have never had an amniocentesis before. Can you please share anything you have experienced with this test! Just a little concerned....

[Drcsue]

I've had 3 amnios. No, they do not hurt. I felt pressure not but didn't hurt. I've had Pap tests that were more uncomfortable. It's the fear of the unknown that gets to us. There is a slight risk of m/c, rates depending on the doctors skill. My doctor never had a patient with bleeding or m/c after an amnio.

[allisontaylormoseley]

I did bloodwoek. Too scared to do amniocentesis bc i was told it can hurt the baby.

[no3ontheway]

I am 38 and was 36 when I had my second.  We did genetic testing because of my age and went to see a perionatologist. ...no amnio. It obviously is your choice but I know my doctor only does it if you require secondary screening for example if the blood work comes back with a less than desirable result she will send you to the period then they will look and advise on an amnio....just because you are 35+ is my opinion is not a reason to have one.

[kj_skibum]

I meant pre term labor....

[niki137]

My Dr uses the blood work first for over 35 before going for the amniocentesis, since there really isn't any risk.  Ask if they will do that instead.  Especially if the only reason is because of your age. I am 36.

[blessedcsm]

I went to my first appointment after finding out I was pregnant, and they recommended I have an amniocentesis due to my age....35.

[kj_skibum]

I have heard that there are risks involved including pre-teen labor. I would request the ultrasound nuchlei measuremenrs and genetic blood testing be performed prior to agreeing to amniocyntisis. Here in the US, they amniocyntisis is not performed as often anymore because blood tests are less invasive, less risk, and have high level accuracy

[stephk1994]

I had one last week and im 20 .. I had one because my baby had a thickened nuchal fold.. it wasnt bad at all .. felt a bit uncomfortable that was it.. took 30 seconds .. it was nerve wreakin just vecause I didnt want my baby to have  a problem..I got my fish results back and everythings normal so far so all is good    I would recommend it

[Braylon_0815]

Do you have to have it done?

[Kathy2015]

I had an amnio once. My personal opinion, I don't recommend it unless there is no other choice. It hurt like hell and when I started crying my belly started shaking and they yelled at me to stop
crying or they might hit the baby.
I didn't have any after effects or problems but from an emotional stand point it was the worst experience I've ever had during pregnancy.

[niki137]

I have never had one.  Now they can do blood tests that can detect some genetic birth defects, like down syndrome.  I opted for that.