Amniocentesis at 30 weeks

[Mummytoboyxx]

Has anyone had a late amniocentesis before? I’ve been offered one to check to see if my baby has a certain condition which could impact how she could be delivered. If she has the condition then I wouldn’t have the option of forceps/assistance. I’m not sure whether the risk of the amniocentesis is worth it. Any advice or opinions please x

An amnio presents a risk you want to balance with the benefits you can get from it. If the only benefit would be to know to avoid forceps, wouldn't it be easier to avoid forceps in any case?
Would your baby's condition be visible on a fetal MRI? Has fetal MRI been mentioned? Could your OB gyn request one?

That’s an awful situation to be in. I have no advice but if it were me, i’d Ask a few more questions before making my mind up.

Will you have extra monitoring afterwards so they could catch any issues quickly? Could it be done later so the baby is closer to term if there are issues? Is there an option of just going straight to a csection so you don’t need the amino?

I would ask about if being done closer to term, so that if labour is triggwred or baby needs to be born early, there will be fewer complications, as the baby will be nearer to term.

Thanks all for replying. It’s a genetic condition which causes severe bruising so it wouldn’t be picked up on an mri. I think my main concern is that if I don’t know one way or the other the option of forceps/assistance is taken away, and I think I would feel nervous going into natural labour knowing I wouldn’t be able to have assistance if baby needed to get out quickly. I was hoping to be able to opt for c section but they seemed really against it x

Also, they can’t do the amniocentesis any later on as they would time to get the results back x

In your shoes I think I’d push for a c section, they can’t force you to deliver naturally and you have a good reason for electing for a c section.

Are you in the UK? You have the right to an elective section if you want it (and I might well choose it in your books). You might have to fight for it but they should definitely let you have one - look up the NICE guidelines. I have one agreed in principle for different reasons and it wasn't an issue.

I've not been in your shoes either but I personally would opt for a c section, ive known many opt for a CS with no real need for one so I can't see how they can try and discourage it in your situation. That said if I was going to have a natural birth I'd ask to be induced early-the only baby I've been able to deliver without episiotomy and forceps or ventous was the one I was induced 2 weeks early with and he was only 7lb6, both of his brothers were more than 3 weeks later than him and 1.5 and 2 lb heavier and I just couldn't do it on my own. Not everyond is the same though but I think size must factor in needing intervention. Xx

Thanks for your replies ladies. I’ve been doing some research and I’m not happy about the risks of an amniocentesis. I have another appointment with consultant lined up so will see what she says about c section x

I would 100% push for a csection...im sure the hospital wouldnt want to take the risk of injuring the baby...And they surely cant risk putting you into a natural birth knowing IF a problem arose they wouldnt be able tp help with forceps...I would not tale the risk of harming my baby with the amnio test for the sake of the hospital...because thats who it seems to be helping...Not you or baby...Be stern.You and your baby come first.

Its your choice-they may try to to persuade you otherwise but it is up to you. Good luck x

Push for the C section. Just make it clear to the doctor that that is your choice.

Another vote to insist on csec. I would feel that would be safest option if faced with your situ, wouldnt risk an amnio for love nor money.

I'm normally anti pushing for a c section but in your case I thin c section is preferable to an amnio

Agreed, I think you have a strong case for C-section, given the risks of amnio and instrumental delivery. If you get resistance, just keep pushing, and come back here for more help and support. I would think if you refuse the amnio they will have to grant to c section in any case. Don't fall on your sword for the sake of their stats.

I think you have very good grounds for a C section (and as others have said, in the UK, maternal request should be good enough grounds).

However, having had a C section, in my case they did actually have to use forceps to get DS out of my pelvis (he ended up with the typical "crimped ears"). So talk it through very carefully with the consultant. It may be that they feel they have to know either way in order to manage the birth safely.

You could perhaps compromise over the time. As far as I'm aware, the risk with amnio is that it causes a miscarriage - which this late in pregnancy would express itself as a premature labour rather than miscarriage, surely? Perhaps you could simply defer the date of the amnio till 37 weeks (which is counted as term anyway), then if the amnio did bring on labour, it wouldn't be that much of an issue. Again, your consultant will know.

I'm going to go against the prevailing view and say I would have the amniocentesis.

The research I've done shows that the risks of amniocentesis are based on data that's decades out of date, when amnios were done "blind". They'd scan you, and then do the procedure based on where the baby was when they checked. If the baby moved, they risked touching the baby or placenta, which is what caused miscarriage.

Nowadays, they do an ultrasound while doing the procedure, so they can see what they're doing and the risk is infinitely lower.

But I wouldn't advise you to do anything without doing your own research. Read the chapter in amniocentesis in "Expecting Better". It outlines all of the research at the point of publication so it's a good place to start.

And good luck, whatever you decide.

Lots to think about. Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment and give your opinions x