For those who have had an amnio

Could you please tell me about your experience. I got the results of my ultrascreen and they are okay-ish, but not as good as we would have liked. That, in combination with my age, has led us to decide to have an amnio. Just wondering how it was for others. Thanks.

Re: For those who have had an amnio

I had one at 17 weeks. I was super stressed about it leading up to it but the actual procedure was not bad at all and mine was super quick.

They will do a sono first to see where they can go in with the needle. They try to pick a pocket of fluid very far from the baby. Then the entire procedure is sono guided so they will not harm the baby. The needle didnt even hurt. It was more stressful than anything.

I was put on bed rest for the rest of the day and the next day I had to stay home. I had mine on a thurs and by Sat I was back to normal. The first day you are a bit sore but that was it.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Re: For those who have had an amnio

Bump

Re: For those who have had an amnio

I was in a similar situation as you. My nt scan wasn't great but my scans at 16 weeks were good. We still decided to go with the amnio. It was a very emotional decision for me. But ultimately it was the best decision because it put my mind at ease. I completely trusted my doctor. It's done with a sono and if the baby is in an unsafe position they will hold off. The whole procedure wasn't bad at all- maybe 30 minutes. Now I have a beautiful healthy baby boy. Hugs!!

Re: For those who have had an amnio

I had the amnio after my 16 week blood work came back higher then my 12 week. It was the best thing I did. I had a ton of support from the women on this site. It was not bad at all, very quick and I was told to have a glass of red wine after the procedure. I went home relaxed and was on good in about 2 days. It was a huge relief to hear the great results after a few days. Good Luck!

Re: For those who have had an amnio

It was stressful the time leading up to the procedure but the actual procedure was painless. They use the sonogram to locate the baby, so bonus you get another peak at your LO

Then they insert the needle to draw out the fluid. The needle looks a lot worse than it is, bc it's very long but also very thin. I honestly didn't even feel it.

I was warned I might have some cramping so take it easy but I really didn't feel any soreness. I was back at work the following day. Good luck, for me it was well worth the peace of mind.

Re: For those who have had an amnio

I had one around 17 weeks or so.
I was SOOOOO scared. I was a nervous wreck-I was worried about the baby, I was worried about the needle, I was worried about pain, and of course- ultimately the results.

I had it at Madonna. My experience there was amazing.
The Dr was so nice and had such a great bedside manner. He actually had me laughing.

First they do a full sono/scan.
Then they wash your belly down with betadine solution and the Dr comes in. He talked me through the whole thing. He watched the sono to see where the baby was and then stuck the needle on the opposite side.
Before I could flinch, it was in. I swear to you, a blood test hurts more! I was amazed.
He withdrew 2 vials of fluid and it was over.
They cleaned off my belly, helped me sit up and we were on our way with instructions to take it very easy for the next 72 hours.

I basically laid on the couch all weekend and let DH wait on me hand and foot!
I had no ill effects- just maybe a slight soreness where the needle went.

Waiting for the results was the hardest part. It took about 10 days or so for my OB to get them.

Thankfully all was well and I was able to relax (well as much as you CAN relax) for the rest of the pregnancy.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Re: For those who have had an amnio

I had one around 20 wks because the ultrascreen came back funny on one measurement. It was more emotionally stressful than anything. The needle going in part was uncomfortable but it wasn't super painful or anything -- just felt a lot of tugging and was kind of annoying. Make sure to stay hydrated afterwards and rest for at least 24 hrs before doing anything strenuous!

Re: For those who have had an amnio

I had an amnio with both pregnancies due to bw results and my age. The procedure itself was quick and relatively painless. I felt some minor cramps as the needle went in, but they are in and out pretty quickly. The whole time, the dr is guided by another dr doing the sono, so they go nowhere near the baby. Defintely rest and drink lots of water afterwards. The worst part is the anxiety leading up to the amnio.

Re: For those who have had an amnio

Re: For those who have had an amnio

Thanks so much for everyone's replies! I am a little less worried about the amnio now.