The role of amniocentesis in pregnant women

What every woman worries about most during pregnancy is the health of the fetus. However, due to the differences in each pregnant woman's physical constitution and other factors, it is often necessary to check whether the fetus has congenital diseases during pregnancy. Among them, amniocentesis is a relatively accurate and effective method. However, many women do not know much about this and do not know the role of amniocentesis. Let us learn about it together.

Amniotic fluid refers to the fluid in the amniotic cavity of the uterus during pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy process, it is an important component that is indispensable for maintaining fetal life. The source of amniotic fluid varies at different stages of fetal development. During the first trimester of pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from the plasma components of the embryo; afterwards, as the embryo's organs begin to mature and develop, other sources of amniotic fluid, such as the fetal urine, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, umbilical cord, placental surface, etc., also become sources of amniotic fluid.

The role of amniocentesis in pregnant women

Amniotic fluid cells are shed cells from the fetus and have the same genetic information. Testing of amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis can be used to assess the intrauterine condition of the fetus and diagnose fetal diseases.

1. Diagnosis of fetal congenital diseases

Cultivating amniotic fluid cells or extracting amniotic fluid cell DNA can be used for genetic diagnosis, such as diagnosing fetal chromosomal diseases, single gene diseases, etc.

2. Diagnosis of fetal metabolic diseases

For some metabolic diseases that cannot be diagnosed through genes, intrauterine diagnosis can be performed by measuring the concentration of related enzymes in amniotic fluid.

3. Fetal neural tube defects

The determination of alpha-fetoprotein and acetylcholine esterase in amniotic fluid can be used to diagnose open neural tube defects in the fetus (mainly including anencephaly and spina bifida).

4. Detection of fetal lung maturity

Measuring the ratio of phosphatidylcholine/sphingomyelin in amniotic fluid can help determine whether the fetal lungs are mature and help choose the timing of termination of pregnancy.

5. Diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection

Cultivation of amniotic fluid or measurement of inflammatory factors can help diagnose the presence or absence of intra-amniotic infection.

The above is an introduction to the role of amniocentesis in pregnant women. After understanding it, we know that amniocentesis in pregnant women can detect many congenital diseases of the fetus that cannot be detected by B-ultrasound or blood. However, amniocentesis in pregnant women also has certain risks. Whether this examination is needed before delivery, you should consult a doctor in time.