Amniocentesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Amniocentesis - Essay ExampleThe risks and benefits of amniocentesis should be considered before opting for this prenatal test.Amniocentesis is mostly recommended after false positive or false negatively charged triple screen test which is a simple blood tests used for the same purposes. Amniocentesis is performed with the forethought of ultrasound and the amniotic fluid is unruffled through a needle and takes about 45 minutes. The collected fluid is used for laboratory analysis. 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy are the most suitable eon for the procedure to be performed. However, the amniocentesis can be delayed till the third trimester (America Pregnancy link 2006). The procedure is indicated mostly in pregnant women above the days of 35, a couple who has a news report of previous children with Downs Syndrome or any other chromosomal abnormality, history of heritable complaint in the family and detection of any chromosomal abnormality in any of the parents (Sloane 2002).The mo st common chromosomal abnormality looked for in amniocentesis is Downs syndrome or Trisomy 21. Neural tube defects like spina bifida and genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis are also looked for in the amniotic fluid. More than 70 inborn errors of metamorphosis can be detected through amniocentesis for instance Tay Sachs disease, Fabrys disease, galactosemia and Gauchers disease. The increasing age of the mother is a high risk factor for development of chromosomal abnormalities specifically Downs syndrome. Hence, the importance of amniocentesis in older age mothers increases. With early detection of the disorders, an abortion can be performed to prevent the birth of a baby suffering from a lifetime of deformity and suffering. However, those who disagree with the spirit of abortion, this procedure is mostly useless for them (Sloane 2002 American Pregnancy Association 2006).Since