When to do Amniocentesis?
QUESTION
Dear Midwife,
When is the right time to do the amniocentesis test?
ANSWER
It depends on why it is being done. Usually if it is because you are concerned about genetic abnormalities, it is done around 18 weeks, but there are options for doing other tests sooner and there may be reasons to delay it. It's best to ask your own provider about your particular situation.
--Cynthia, CNM
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Cynthia Flynn
Cynthia Flynn, CNM. PhD, teaches in the College of Nursing at Seattle University and is President of the American Association of Birth Centers. She also practices midwifery at Valley Medical Center where she cares for pregnant and birthing women, and practices well-woman gynecology, family planning, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Cynthia founded Columbia Women's Clinic and Birth Center, where she took care of pregnant women and infants up to two weeks of age and attended both birth center and hospital births. Before Cynthia earned her CNM, she worked as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and postpartum and is a certified Doula and Doula trainer.
Cynthia hosts a monthly "Ask the midwife" chat as well as answers questions via our expert section.
Listen to Cynthia live on Pregnancy.org Live: Before, During and After.
