What to expect in regards to an amnio?

[TrudyCampbell]

I'm having an amnio done tomorrow morning and I was wondering if anyone who has had one would mind sharing what to expect. Any info is welcome! Thanks so much.

(Also posted on April 2012)

[VeryViolet]

I had a CVS done which as I understand it is performed similarly it just is sampling a part of the placenta rather than the amniotic fluid. When I had it done I was really terrified and emotional. The procedure itself was not as bad as I was expecting. They did a very thorough ultrasound first with the doctor and ultrasound tech/nurse. They walk through where everything is to identify where they want to sample. That took a while. Once everything was set they cleaned and sterilized my stomach. I didn't watch them insert the needle, it didn't hurt but it certainly wasn't comfortable. When they got to the uterus there was a fairly painful cramp which they told me to expect. My DH did watch the needle on the screen and said it was probably best I didn't watch. Afterwards I didn't have any spotting, I did have some cramping but I took a Tylenol and a nap and it stopped. The FISH results came in 2 days later and the final results about 10 days later. If you have any other questions feel free to ask here or PM me.

[speckledfrog]

It wasn't as painful as I was expecting. The nurse told me it was like a flu shot and I'd say it was just a bit more painful. It took longer than I expected to draw out the fluid. I didn't watch them insert the needle but I did watch on the screen. I couldn't see the needle at first but the doctor pointed it out to me. I was a little sore afterwards, but no issues or complications. I didn't realize that I should have taken the day off so I just played it really easy at work. I got my first results in 2 days and then full results in 7 days

[Deleted]

It felt to me like someone pushing on s bruise. I had it twice. The first time didn't go into the sac, so the needle just stayed in me for a while, we waited for the boys to move out of the pocket. We had to reschedule for a week later and were successful then.

You lie down and get an ultrasound. They look for the deepest pocket away from the baby. Then they put iodine in your belly and use a big needle. It's crazy thin. Then after you put yourself on bedrest for a day.

I would recommend watching videos if being prepared helps you. It helped me a lot.

[Deleted]

I had my eyes closed the whole time and Jake was in charge of watching the screen.

My results were ducked so i won't tell you those details. Normally FISH comes on a few days to a week, and if you need to culture cells it's more like two weeks or more.

[auntie]

More creepy than painful. I watched, there were half a dozen med students visiting. DS grabbed the syringe with his left hand which I'm told is unusual.

I had cramping which freaked me out for about 36 hours after but is to be expected so long as there is no leaking it's not a big deal.

[TrudyCampbell]

Thanks, everyone.

I just remembered that I have an anterior placenta which I'm sure doesn't make this procedure any easier. I'm trying to stay away from google.

[pierogigirl]

I've had two. They were not as painful as I was expecting, even though with the second one she had to try again with a second needle. It felt like a blood draw - not painful, a little weird, slightly unpleasant. I did not watch and I did not have DH come to the first one because I thought I'd be braver on my own and would cry if he were there. I knew I'd be fine for the second one, so I didn't have him come to that either. I did not have any cramping or complications. I did rest for the rest of the day after each.

Good luck.

[Deleted]

Oct 30, 2013 17:44:46 GMT -5 TrudyCampbell said:

Thanks, everyone.

I just remembered that I have an anterior placenta which I'm sure doesn't make this procedure any easier. I'm trying to stay away from google.

Mine was anterior on the right. They know how to avoid it. The u/s before the needle was longer than the time the needle was in me. They don't fuck w this.

They also could go through the placenta if absolutely necessary, but it increases chances of maternal cell contamination.

[Booze Raccoon]

The anxiety surrounding it, both before and after, were far worse than the actual procedure.

It hurts (feels like a cramp) while the needle is in.  It lasts about 60 seconds.  Then it's over.

I had mild cramp pains as I was walking to the car.  

Then I stayed on bed rest for 3 days.

No problems.  All was good.

I'd do it again if I were pregnant again.

[kmpls]

Oct 30, 2013 17:44:46 GMT -5 TrudyCampbell said:

Thanks, everyone.

I just remembered that I have an anterior placenta which I'm sure doesn't make this procedure any easier. I'm trying to stay away from google.

I had one. I just kept my eyes closed the whole time.

it took awhile to draw all the fluid out.,longer than I expected. It didnt hurt but it is freaky!

i had an anterior placenta and the dr purposely went thru it as she said it was safer.

my h said the dr poked the baby with the needle. Not sure if that is true but she turned out just fine!