Pregnancy » Tests During Prenancy »
Amniocentesis

• Amniocentesis
  This test measures any kind of chromosomal abnormalities that might exist in the prenancy. The fluid surrounding the foetus, known as amniotic fluid, is tested for genetic defects and open neural tube defects (ONTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly. It also detects inherited metabolic disorders, heart disorders and birth defects.
  
  Amniocentesis is generally done for women who are more than 35 years of age, have a family history of genetic disorders or have had an abnormal Maternal Serum Screening Test result.
  
  The test can be a little painful and one may require resting for several hours after the completion of the test. A needle is inserted through the abdomen into the amniotic sac to withdraw some fluid for testing. All this is done with the help of an ultrasound to view the placement of the needle. This fluid is then cultured and analyzed for disorders and defects.
• Blood Pressure:
  
• Blood Sugar:
  
• Other Blood Tests:
  
• Ultrasound or Sonography:
  
• Urine Analysis:
  
• Wet Mount Test:
  
• Cervical Test:
  
• Nuchal Translucency Screening
  
• Alpha-fetoprotein Screening (AFP)
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
  
• Fetal Monitoring
  
• Group B Strep Culture
  
• Contraction Stress Test
  
• Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)