This is a procedure used to evaluate the health of your unborn baby and identify any problems that may exist. Using ultrasound as a guide, a thin needle is inserted through your stomach into your uterus (womb). A small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby is then taken. This fluid contains cells from the baby, which are then studied in the laboratory.

 

The best time to perform amniocentesis is in the 16^th week of pregnancy.

Visit the National Women's Health website for more information on antenatal screening, or read this information leaflet on Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sample CVS.