Explanation:

Amniocentesis

• Amniocentesis is a procedure in which amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus for testing or treatment.
• Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds and protects a baby during pregnancy. This fluid contains fetal cells and various proteins.
• Although amniocentesis can provide valuable information about your baby's health, it's important to understand the risks of amniocentesis — and be prepared for the results.

Amniocentesis can be done for various reasons:

• Genetic testing. Genetic amniocentesis involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid and testing it for certain conditions, such as Down syndrome.
• Fetal lung testing. Fetal lung maturity testing involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid and testing it to determine whether a baby's lungs are mature enough for birth.
• Diagnosis of fetal infection. Occasionally, amniocentesis is used to evaluate a baby for infection or other illness. The procedure can also be done to evaluate the severity of anaemia in babies who have Rh sensitization — an uncommon condition in which a mother's immune system produces antibodies against a specific protein on the surface of the baby's blood cells.
• Treatment. If you accumulate too much amniotic fluid during pregnancy (polyhydramnios), amniocentesis might be done to drain excess amniotic fluid from your uterus.
• Paternity testing. Amniocentesis can collect DNA from the fetus that can then be compared to DNA from the potential father.