Dr Chris Brown, GP, on amniocentesis
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Amniocentesis is offered to women who throught to be at higher risk of Down's Syndrome, or neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It is offered to women over 35 because of the higher risk of Down's Syndrome.
A sample of amniotic fluid (the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb) is taken for examination. The fluid contains cells that have been shed from the baby, and these can be examined, so doctors can look for particular genetic abnormalities. The test is very accurate for Down's Syndrome and slightly less accurate for spina bifida. There is a small risk (around one in 200) of miscarriage after amniocentesis.
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