Many mothers often worry whether their unborn baby is healthy, has intellectual disabilities, or is disabled. Nowadays, there are various tests to detect abnormalities in the fetus. “Amniocentesis” is a method used to detect genetic intellectual disabilities by examining chromosomes and measuring the amount of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to check for abnormalities in the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Chromosomal abnormalities.. and Down syndrome
Chromosomes are units or parts of cells in the body that contain genetic information of humans and pass it on to future generations. However, errors can occur during the transmission of chromosomes to offspring. For example, in individuals with Down’s Syndrome, chromosome pair 21 has 3 copies instead of the usual 2.
When is amniocentesis usually performed during pregnancy?
Generally, amniocentesis to extract amniotic fluid containing fetal skin cells for chromosomal abnormality analysis is usually performed between 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, with results scheduled 2-3 weeks later.
Pregnant women at risk of having a baby with genetic abnormalities
- Pregnant women aged 35 years and older
- History of giving birth to a child with genetic abnormalities
- History of giving birth to a child with intellectual disabilities due to chromosomal abnormalities
- Previously gave birth to a child with congenital disabilities
- Exposed to radiation or harmful chemicals at the beginning of pregnancy that may cause genetic abnormalities
Maternal age.. increases the risk of having a child with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) as follows…
- In the general population, about 1 in 1000 live births are affected
- For mothers over 35 years old, the rate is about 1 in 365
- For mothers aged 39 years, the rate is about 1 in 139
- For mothers aged 45 years, the rate is about 1 in 32
Are there any complications from amniocentesis?
Complications are quite rare, occurring in less than 0.5%, depending on the skill and experience of the doctor. Possible complications include infection and amniotic fluid leakage (which, if excessive, may cause miscarriage). Therefore, after amniocentesis, if there are abnormal symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, water breaking, fever, or severe lower abdominal pain, see a doctor immediately.
