Patient's question:
I and my sister both suffer from progressive muscular dystrophy. Now my sister is pregnant, and during the prenatal examination, the doctor said it is a hereditary disease and recommended her to have an amniocentesis for a thorough check. However, she has only been pregnant for two months, and she doesn't know if she can have an amniocentesis. When should she have the amniocentesis check?Doctor's answer:
Amniocentesis is an invasive and meticulous examination, as well as a method of prenatal diagnosis. It is primarily used to determine the possibility of fetal hereditary diseases and to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities and inflammation. Amniocentesis may lead to risks such as amniotic fluid leakage, amnion inflammation, and fetal miscarriage. Generally, amniocentesis for chromosome analysis is performed between the 16th and 21st weeks of pregnancy. Hospitals with the necessary conditions can also perform it in the later stages of pregnancy.