Does amniocentesis hurt?

Question

I’m 16 weeks and just got a call that my second trimester genetic blood work came back as having a high chance for Baby with Down syndrome. I’m only 26 and it doesn’t run in either of our families. I don’t want to get an amino but my husband wants to just so we can prepare ourselves if our baby does need special care. Does it hurt? Is the risk even worth it?

Answer

I’ve never had one, but I asked my doc. Amnio can cause spontaneous abortion, though the chances are low. She also told me that’s Downs and other trisomy issues are not genetically passed down - they’re just random anomalies in the fertilization process. She described the worth as this:
If the outcome of the test may cause you to rethink carrying the baby to term, it’s worth it as long as you can still have a legal abortion. If the outcome won’t change your mind, you have to decide how much value there is on knowing or being aware that the baby could have Downs without being certain.

Answer

I always opt out of having the blood work because i will still carry my baby no matter what. Ive been informed that if your dates are off at all than the test could back as false positives which causes stress and fear for nothing. I’ve also heard that the can hurt the baby with the needle (poke an eye, or cut a limb) which has always be a huge factor in my decision as well. This is my 9th pregnancy but 7th baby and im 36, they asked if i wanted the blood test and i said no! God only gives us what he knows we can handle...i love my babies no matter what...it is a hard decision and you need to do what you fee it best for you and your baby...best of luck

Answer

I had one done and I can’t say it’s great, doesn’t hurt but very odd feeling, I hated it. I think the chances of miscarriage caused by this is 1% but my hospital had less with how many they’d preformed, so I’d check that out first. I personally wanted to know as your husband said, you can prepare. I wouldn’t do it with out good reason and I think that is enough of one. I hope everything goes ok x

Does amniocentesis hurt?

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