Amniocentesis procedure

Obstetrician & Gynecologist Anthony Chin, MD, explains the amniocentesis procedure, including how it is done and what it tests for in the baby
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Amniocentesis procedure

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An amniocentesis is a procedure where a needle is introduced abdominally into the amniotic cavity to collect amniotic fluid around the baby. Within this amniotic fluid are the baby's cells which can then be isolated and the chromosomal makeup of the baby can then be ascertained. As a woman gets older, her risk of down syndrome as well as other chromosomal abnormalities start to increase. And amniocentesis is a test that can tell you exactly what your baby's chromosomal makeup is, and therefore rule out things like down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. The test is usually offered to people over the age of 35, but if other initial tests in the first trimester will deem you at a higher risk, even somebody under the age of 35, may be actually a candidate for amniocentesis.

Obstetrician & Gynecologist Anthony Chin, MD, explains the amniocentesis procedure, including how it is done and what it tests for in the baby

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Anthony Chin, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Dr. Anthony Chin was born in Hollywood, CA and raised in Santa Monica, CA.  He was educated at UCLA and graduated with a BS in Molecular Biology.  Dr. Chin attended medical school at UCLA and finished his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.  Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and published in peer reviewed journals, Dr. Chin is the  recipient of several research, patient satisfaction and teaching awards, and continues to be involved with the teaching of medical students and resident physicians.  He is happily married and has a three month old daughter named Alaia Rose. 

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Transcription: 
An amniocentesis is a procedure where a needle is introduced abdominally into the amniotic cavity to collect amniotic fluid around the baby. Within this amniotic fluid are the baby's cells which can then be isolated and the chromosomal makeup of the baby can then be ascertained. As a woman gets older, her risk of down syndrome as well as other chromosomal abnormalities start to increase. And amniocentesis is a test that can tell you exactly what your baby's chromosomal makeup is, and therefore rule out things like down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. The test is usually offered to people over the age of 35, but if other initial tests in the first trimester will deem you at a higher risk, even somebody under the age of 35, may be actually a candidate for amniocentesis.