Amniocentesis and Pregnancy - Essay Example

"Amniocentesis and Pregnancy" is a wonderful example of a paper on pregnancy. 
Discuss the risks and benefits of amniocentesis. Would you elect to undergo this procedure (or urge your spouse to do so) if you had a history of genetic abnormalities in your family or you or your spouse were over 35? Why or why not? 

The amniotic fluid is an important laboratory specimen that can be used for the assessment of fetal wellbeing and to analyze the presence of different pathologies in the fetus. This is owing to the presence of cells from the fetal skin, genitourinary tract as well as the fetal membranes in this fluid. The technique of amniocentesis is based upon the drawing of 15 to 20 milliliters of amniotic fluid from the amniotic cavity by using a needle. This procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance to prevent any harm to the mother and the fetus. The amniotic fluid is then assessed and tested for the presence of disease (Baker et al 2011). 

The procedure of amniocentesis is beneficial because it helps in checking different pathologies. The amniotic fluid can be used to check viral disease states. If the test is performed at an early stage, it does not need to be redone owing to the accuracy of the results. The early test also enables us to test the alpha-fetoprotein. The most common reason for which this test is done is to check for genetic abnormalities. These include trisomy 21, 18, and 13. Other genetic conditions that can be analyzed by amniocentesis include Fabry’s disease, Gaucher’s disease, Tay-Sachs disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and Hunter’s disease (Berman 1997; Sloane 2002). 

Amniocentesis has many advantages but this technique is also associated with many risks. It is associated with a risk of miscarriage. There are many other fetal risks which include the risk of rupture of fetal vessels as well as the placenta. It can also result in causing scars to the fetus. Risks for the mother include injury by the needle to the bladder, intestine, and the blood vessels. The risks of amniocentesis can be raised if the procedure is performed during the last trimester of pregnancy (Sloane 2002). 

I would elect to opt for the procedure of amniocentesis if I had a history of genetic abnormalities. I would also opt for this technique if my age would be above 35 years.  This is because the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks. It would help in the assessment of any fetal abnormalities. Furthermore, I would have an early chance to search for treatment options and therefore take appropriate measures in advance about the continuation of pregnancy. It would also prepare me in avoiding unseen circumstances and provide an opportunity for me to decide whether I wish to continue the pregnancy or not. 

Amniocentesis is an invasive technique that is performed during pregnancy in high-risk people. This procedure is used to draw amniotic fluid which can then be checked for the presence of viral infections as well as genetic abnormalities in the fetus. It holds the benefit that pathological conditions of the fetus can be assessed beforehand. But the procedure has its risks as well. It can result in miscarriage and can cause damage to metal and maternal vascular supply and causes bleeding.