Definition & Bedeutung von "amniocentesis"

What is "amniocentesis"?

Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used during pregnancy to examine the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb. This fluid, known as amniotic fluid, is contained within the amniotic sac, a protective layer. During the procedure, a thin needle is carefully inserted through the abdomen and into the amniotic sac to collect a small sample of the fluid. The fluid contains cells shed by the baby, which are then analyzed for genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. Amniocentesis is usually performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy and can provide important information about the baby's health, although it involves some risks, such as a small chance of miscarriage.