Amniocentesis

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Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a test that can be performed during pregnancy to help determine if the developing baby has any birth defects or genetic disorders (abnormal DNA). It is most commonly offered to women with an increased risk for having a child with birth defects. Women may choose genetic counseling first, to learn about other prenatal tests and to help them make a more informed decision about which tests to have, if any.

Amniocentesis is usually done at 16-20 weeks of pregnancy and performed in a doctor’s office or medical center. First, an ultrasound is performed to identify the position of the baby. A long, thin needle is then inserted through the belly and into the womb to gather a small amount of fluid from the sac that surrounds the baby. This fluid is sent to a laboratory for testing, and it takes about two weeks to get results back. Amniocentesis also may be used later during pregnancy to diagnose infections and other conditions.

Why choose UAB Medicine

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists at the UAB Women & Infants Center are available on site 24/7 to manage problems with high-risk pregnancies. Our physicians are experts at managing multiple births and premature delivery, as well as conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. For mothers who’ve had a premature birth before, our advanced treatments can reduce their chance of having another one by as much as 50%.

UAB provides the latest MFM care, including first-trimester diagnosis, genetic testing and counseling, and 4D-ultrasound and fetal imaging. All of our MFM specialists are board-certified, and our team also includes certified genetics specialists.

Our MFM program is among the most advanced in the nation, and we are one of only 14 hospitals that participates in the national Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network for high-risk pregnancy research. UAB Medicine is an academic medical center that conducts clinical research trials, so patients may have access to promising new treatments not available elsewhere.

Care Providers

Ashley Battarbee, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Brian Brocato, DO Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Sheri Jenkins, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Alan Tita, MD, PhD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Carolyn Webster, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Luisa Wetta, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Videos

Meet the Team: Brian Brocato, DO

Dr. Brocato is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with an interest in preterm delivery, diabetes, and using ultrasound technology to diagnose conditions and evaluate patients for various procedures.

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