AMNIOCENTESIS

INTRODUCTION
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of
chromosomal abnormalities, foetal infections and sex
determination.It is a diagnostic procedure undergone during
pregnancy. It is most commonly used to check the baby’s
chromosomes. Amniocentesis is performed occasionally to examine
diseases during pregnancy such as infections or genetic disorder.
This procedure is done by taking out the amniotic fluid. We do not
usually need a local anaesthetic.
PROCEDURE
The foetus is surrounded by the amniotic fluid that contains foetal
cells and other substances such as alpha foetoprotein. It also
protects the foetus from any mechanical injury and helps in
regulating the temperature of the foetus. The cells and substances
present in the amniotic fluid provide important information about
the baby’s health before birth.
WHY IS AMNIOCENTESIS PERFORMED?
 The amniocentesis is performed to check the karyotype (the
chromosomes) of the baby .Amniocentesis is a diagnostic
procedure undergone during pregnancy. It is most commonly
used to check the baby’s chromosomes.
 Amniocentesis is performed occasionally to examine diseases
during pregnancy such as infections or genetic disorder. This
procedure is done by taking out the amniotic fluid. We do not
usually need a local anaesthetic.

 The foetus is surrounded by the amniotic fluid that contains

foetal cells and other substances such as alpha foetoprotein. It
 also protects the foetus from any mechanical injury and helps
in regulating the temperature of the foetus. The cells and
substances present in the amniotic fluid provide important
information about the baby’s health before birth.

 Being a method of detection of defective gene and disease

diagnosis amniocentesis helps mankind but being in the other
side of the coin it leads to illegal usage which leads to female
infanticide and decline in sex ratio.

 Hence amniocentesis must be used wisely and for the welfare of

the baby and not to end a life in name of gender
discrimination.

 In IVF also amniocentesis plays an important role to diagnose

the gene and disease.
 It helps in a successful pregnancy through ART with out any
defects.
 CONCLUSION
 In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the joining of a woman’s egg and
a man’s sperm in a laboratory dish. In vitro means outside the
body.
 Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used in prenatal
diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities, foetal infections and
sex determination.
Both of the procedures are important aspects to give birth to a
healthy baby.
The ART has helped over many people across the world to
conceive who have fertility issues. Irrespective of gender it has
always helped the mankind to have a family.
Since children play important role in both social and emotional
aspects of life both of the procedures have effectively helped
the mankind.
Wise use of all scientific methods is now on to the humans and
their conscience.