When we talk about amniocentesis, the ghost of the risk of abortion But, without trying to minimize, the risk of fetal loss is really very low.
The chances of having a miscarriage after puncture are estimated between 0.2 and 0.5%, which is one in 200 cases. Figure barely higher than cases of natural miscarriage.
It is true that statistics do not comfort the couple who suffer an abortion, but it is an increasingly widespread practice with a high safety margin.
When is an amiocentesis performed?
Amniocentesis is a common prenatal test in which a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is removed for analysis.
It is usually performed in women with risk factors such as family history, over 35 years of age or suspected of chromosomal defects in the fetus. In any case, many believe that the benefit of confirming the diagnosis is greater than the risk.
Between 1 and 2% of amniocentesis that are performed cause losses of amniotic fluid or blood. And a minimum percentage also carries the risk of suffering from urinary infections.
On exceptional occasions it may happen that the puncture is difficult and the sample taken does not serve to be analyzed, so a second puncture should be performed, but the chances of that happening are minimal.
According to a study conducted in Canada, the risk of abortion It is much higher in amniocentesis performed in the first trimester compared to those made in the second trimester. It also revealed an increase in the risk of sprained foot in early amniocentesis.
Today, the experience of professionals, a good hand and technological advances make this prenatal diagnostic test increasingly safe, but not without risk.
