Patient's question:
Hello during pregnancy, what is the latest week you can't have an amniocentesis? Is it that the later it is, the greater the stimulation to the fetus? I had a critical risk in the Down syndrome screening, 1 in 310. At that time, I didn't have an amniocentesis or NIPT. Yesterday, the fetal ultrasound showed a biparietal diameter of 5.36 cm, a head circumference of 20.61 cm, an abdominal circumference of 19.31 cm, and a combined renal diameter of 0.4 cm. The echocardiogram also mentioned that the left ventricular outflow tract seemed to have a continuous interruption of echoes, about 1.22 mm. The doctor said the fetus's head is small and that my baby might have congenital heart disease when born, recommending me to go to a higher-level hospital for an amniocentesis. I am now 24+4 weeks pregnant and am worried about the impact on the baby. Do I have to do it?Doctor's answer:
Amniocentesis is usually performed to confirm early congenital diseases. It is generally decided between 16-26 weeks if there are abnormal fetal findings, and prenatal diagnosis should be between 17-22 weeks. Amniocentesis can be performed during early, mid, or late pregnancy, but it is usually scheduled around the mid-pregnancy period, i.e., around 16-20 weeks. Stay cheerful and wish you a speedy recovery!