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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

AMNIO...DETAILS ON PROCEDURE!!!

9 replies

syd1999 · 17/04/2006 18:47

AMNIO...details on procedure would be appreciated...I've heard mixed reviews...just want to be prepared...most say it's a piece of cake...but some say they were weak and crampy...I will be having my first one on May 1st and would like to have an idea about what to expect??? Thanks :)

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
sunchowder · 17/04/2006 18:50

My experience was good. Very long needle, I got to watch on the screen and my DD moved away when the needle came in. The fluid looked like Lite Beer. I had no bleeding at the site and no cramping. So it went well for me! And this was 12 years ago, so hopefully it has even improved. Good luck to you!

sarahlou1uk · 17/04/2006 19:13

I had one 6 weeks ago. Had a very nice consultant and midwife. Talked me through the procedure and even kept me talking throughout so that I didn't feel much. Stopped using local anaesthetic (don't know if I've spelt that right) in procedures these days but wouldn't have made much of a difference. I could have looked at the screen or at the needle - I chose the screen and my baby. Bit of a sharp prick going in and then a sensation of pushing. Bit uncomfortable but nothing major. Worse bit was when he pulled the needle out - too fast! Afterwards, I had moderate stomach cramps but no bleeding. They advise you to take it easy for the rest of the day and for the next - try not to drive or lift anything heavy (not easy when you've got a 3 yr old who wants lifing in and out of the bath and dh is at work!!) I was a bit emotional before and after the procedure but got to find out that my baby is healthy and that it is a she!!! Not the most pleasant of experiences but then again, not the worst! Hope this helps.

syd1999 · 18/04/2006 00:28

Sarahlou1uk: Thanks for the detailed info!!! That was very helpful...I'm very anxious about the whole procedure but, I'm 36 and my blood showed a risk of 1/120 for Trisomy 18, so I need to know if everything is OK...I have 2 girls already (6 and 4) and I can't put them through a death of a sibling after he/she is born...so the amnio is a must. But ever since I was having children, I said that I never wanted an amnio, now here I am...my fear coming true!!! I will keep u posted after I have the procedure...thanks again for the details :)

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sarahlou1uk · 19/04/2006 17:12

Good luck syd1999 - will be thinking of you.

syd1999 · 02/05/2006 23:20

Sarahlou1uk- I had my amnio yesterday...May1st...you were right...slight sense of pressure, then it was done...very quick, but my cramps were not mild...they started 5 mins. after and got worse and lasted until the evening...it's day 2 for me already and I still feel not 100% Very Tired!!! Still localized more mild cramping...I guess everyone is different??? I get my results on Fri. I just hope I'm out of the woods for a miscarriage???

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milward · 02/05/2006 23:23

Hope you're ok syd1999 xxx

ShouldKnowByFriday · 02/05/2006 23:41

Thats quick sarahlou for your results. Good luck. I hope everything is okay.

jabberwocky · 03/05/2006 00:16

sarahlou, it definitely took me a couple of days to feel normal again. I am very envious of those who didn't have any significant cramping, as I did and also just felt in general like I had been hit by a truck. But, there were no complications and I have my lovely ds now.

btw, will be going in for amnio for #2 in 8 weeks. Keeping fingers crossed it will be like sunchowder's!

Highlander · 03/05/2006 12:16

You'll be told by a nurse first exactly what will happen then asked to sign a consent form.

Consultant should do a detailed scan of the foetus to check everything is OK.

Tummy swabbed with bright pink antiseptic.

Scanner thing covered in a sterile bag. Consultant uses this to guide the needle into a pocket of amniotic fluid away from the foetus.

Puncture of abdomen (this bit didn't hurt). Pause to make sure foetus doesn't nip back under the needle - if this happens, you have to wait, consultant may 'encourage' foetus to move out of the way and this is damn uncomfortable with the needle as well!

Into uterus (sharp cramp). Withdraw tiny bit of fluid and dump. Withdraw 20mls. Needle out, check foetal heart beat.

Rest a bit on the table - don't be frightened to ask for as much time as you need!

I was told the risk of miscarriage comes in 2 phases. 24-48 hours for mechanical trauma. Really important you rest up for the rest of the day - no lifting etc.

Next risk is from infection - about a week to 2 weeks later.

Hope all goes well!

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