An ultrasound scan (see health encyclopaedia topic about ultrasound scan) is often carried out before amniocentesis. Ultrasound creates an image of your womb on a TV monitor and enables the doctor to locate the best place to remove some amniotic fluid from inside your womb. It also ensures that the needle used in the procedure can be passed safely through the walls of the abdomen and womb and into the amniotic fluid in which the foetus is floating.
Before the needle is inserted into your abdomen, you may wish to have the area numbed with anaesthetic. This involves a small injection into your tummy which may sting slightly. The doctor will then insert a long, thin needle through your abdominal wall and into the sac of fluid surrounding the foetus. A syringe will be used to remove a small sample of amniotic fluid for analysis in a laboratory. The test usually takes between 10-30 minutes, during which time you may feel slightly uncomfortable. Afterwards, you will usually be advised to rest for 24 hours.
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