Pregnancy, Fertility and Childbirth

If you have any of the following after amniocentesis, call your doctor: Vaginal spotting that becomes heavy bleeding Mild cramping that becomes severe cramping Flu-like symptoms (aches, chills) or a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher If you... Full Answer

Potential benefits of amniocentesis include: Highly accurate genetic test results. Amniocentesis is more than 99% accurate in detecting genetic disorders in a fetus. Detection of neural tube defects. Amniocentesis can detect about 99% of neural... Full Answer

Amniocentesis does carry a risk of miscarriage or major complications in 1-in-200 to 1-in-400 pregnancies. Complications include bleeding, leakage of amniotic fluid, and infection. The risk of complications increases slightly if an amniocentesis... Full Answer

You will be asked to empty your bladder just before an amniocentesis. You will need to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of amniocentesis and agree to have the test done. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about the need... Full Answer

After an amniocentesis you may have some mild cramping. You should not do any strenuous activity for several hours after the test. Also, do not douche, use tampons or have sex after the test. By the next day, you can do your normal activities, unless... Full Answer

Alternatives to amniocentesis include: No prenatal testing Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) Carrier testing (on you and your partner to determine the risk of passing on an inherited disorder) Maternal serum screening Ultrasound Full Answer

While insomnia is little understood by medical science, it is fairly common among pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters when the growth of the belly can cause discomfort in the back. Sleeping on your side may help with back... Full Answer

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into a pregnant woman's womb and fluid is obtained from around the baby. There are several times that an amniocentesis is appropriate. An amniocentesis is used for genetic evaluation to... Full Answer

In the days and weeks following childbirth, women are especially prone to the baby blues. The baby blues usually subside in about a month, but can include symptoms like tearfulness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed by... Full Answer

Post partum depression (PPD) is not a preventable condition. Pregnancy and parenthood are life changing experiences and can become overwhelming. To help the woman adjust, there are a number of life-style changes that can be initiated during... Full Answer