How to Recover From an Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis literally means "puncture of the amnion." A small amount of fluid is taken from the amniotic sac, and fetal cells from the fluid are tested for several different genetic abnormalities, like Downs Syndrome. If your doctor recommends the procedure, here's how to recover from your amniocentesis afterwards.
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Things You'll Need
- Person or people to help with driving you home and domestic chores for a day
- Couch or bed for you to get some much needed rest
- Phone number of a food delivery service or local delivery pizza joint
- Rhogam shot, if needed
Instructions
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Discuss with your doctor any precautions that he or she may have for you and your situation. If you have Rh negative blood, remind them so that you can immediately get a Rhogam shot after the amniocentesis.
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Have someone else drive you home from the doctor's office or other facility where you had the amniocentesis. You may feel perfectly fine, but you need to take it easy for a while.
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Rest as much as possible for the remainder of the day. That means no heavy lifting, no intercourse and no traveling, especially by air. Let someone else do the cooking or order out. Have someone else help you with any children you already have.
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Monitor yourself for any signs of trouble, and call your doctor immediately if anything starts to concern you. You are not bothering him or her; you are safeguarding your health and that of your baby.
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Return to your normal activities gradually. Don't rush back into your daily routine the very next day if you don't want to. Take it slowly and relax.
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Tips & Warnings
Although there are close to 800 known genetic diseases that can be tested for by amniocentesis, very few labs will or can perform all of them. Contact your doctor to find out which ones the lab will perform.
Amniocentesis will tell you with 100% accuracy what gender your baby is, should you want to know. It will also tell you with 99% accuracy if your child has Downs Syndrome.
You may reduce the risk of miscarriage by having the amniocentesis done by someone who does 50 or more per year.
Minor cramping is normal. Severe cramping, spotting, bleeding or fever are not normal. Call your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms or any other signs that make you uneasy.
