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Anyone have an amniocentesis?

trinastigger - 08:11pm Apr 23, 2008 EST
Mom to Jonathan//55 day Nicu grad/Suspected PROM and Surfactant insufficiency

I am about 28 weeks along and was told that because we have a history of poor fetal lung development even at a late gest. that we are going to need an amnio to check for fetal maturity. When is this typically done and where does this happen.
I am going to be calling my perinatologlist shortly and discuss the when and the how questions so I can be aware of what to expect.
How long does this typically take and do you have to have a nst after? does it hurt?
I think I start these next week but the OB mentioned something about 35-36 weeks to do the amnio. I am definitely going to be asking about betamethasone when I call the peri.
Is there anything else other than asking about checking for prom earlier rather than later as I am leaking something and I feel freaked out. Last time I was pg, I had a prom that was never caught and I ended up with an infection that on top of the lung maturity issues didn't help things. I have different doctors this time around that are much more proactive in an almost paranoid control freak sort of way.

any answers are appreciated,
Thank you

Lindsay W - Apr 24, 2008 9:09 am (#1 Total: 3)

March of Dimes Staff

Amniocentesis

Hi Trina -

This is Lindsay and I work at the March of Dimes.

Third trimester amniocentesis timing can vary depending on the individual woman's circumstances. Generally, 35-36 weeks is the average. Here is a good link to information on amniocentesis, including how it feels, what to do afterward, etc. Your doc will advise you on any need for a non-stress test. Ask all the questions you can think of - it sounds like your docs are really paying attention to your progress and needs. That's great.

I hope this helps,

Lindsay
Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center

Kathryn:Mom&NICU Nurse - Apr 24, 2008 2:54 pm (#2 Total: 3)

Marina 28w, Emma 36w, Olivia 34w 2 days

I had amnio's with two of my girls. After my 28 week delivery they did one at 36 weeks because I had mild pre-eclampsia and they needed to induce.

With my third I went into preterm labor and I was 34 weeks and they wanted to see if they could let me go or if they should still try to stop it. I had no side effects with either amnio. It was a really great piece of mind. But with my thrid daughter my 34 weeker. The lungs came back mature and she still did have some respiratory problems. They were really mild though.

I really do think that asking about steriods is a good idea. I hope that all is well!

ejmonstermommy - May 16, 2008 3:27 am (#3 Total: 3)

prior amnio

I understand your concern, but little to worry about from your standpoint, the needle is large but I really didn't feel anything when mine were done. I had to be on the monitor for nst after them but depending on your doc probably. I know that they are not always accurate on the lung developement, but nothing is 100% and at least an idea was enough for me to have them done. Good luck!

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