How long does it take for the amniotic membrane to close after amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a common examination method for pregnant women, especially for older pregnant women. It is also an important examination method to prevent fetal malformations. During amniocentesis, the amniotic membrane will be pierced. Generally speaking, don't be too nervous at this time. As long as you get enough rest after amniocentesis, the amniotic membrane will recover relatively quickly.

How long do I need to rest after amniocentesis?

Experts say that women need to sit and rest for 2 hours after amniocentesis before they can go home. For their own sake, it is best to rest for a week. They should choose to rest in bed for the first three days and rest at home for the last four days. If time is really tight, you should rest for at least 24 hours. At the same time, you should pay close attention to your own condition. If you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vaginal bleeding, fever, etc., you should seek medical attention in time.

Amniocentesis, like four-dimensional color ultrasound, is an important prenatal examination item to rule out fetal malformations, and it also has time limits. Generally speaking, the best time to do amniocentesis is between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the amount of amniotic fluid is appropriate and the puncture is easy. Even if the pregnancy needs to be terminated, it will not cause great trouble or harm to the pregnant mother. Therefore, expectant mothers should not refuse amniocentesis for fear of its sequelae, which will result in permanent regrets.

How to do amniocentesis

In principle, amniotic fluid examination is best performed during the 15th to 16th week of pregnancy. The steps are as follows:

1. Before formally extracting amniotic fluid, the doctor will first help the pregnant woman to do an ultrasound examination to determine the size of the fetus, the number of weeks of pregnancy, the position of the fetus and the number of fetuses

2. Find the most suitable position for needle insertion

3. Disinfect the skin of pregnant women

4. Place a sterile sheet on the pregnant woman’s belly.

5. Use a 20 or 22 gauge spinal puncture needle under the guidance of ultrasound to gradually insert it into the previously selected amniotic cavity.

6. Make sure the spinal puncture needle is in the amniotic cavity and start to draw out the amniotic fluid with negative pressure.

7. The first 2 ml of amniotic fluid must be discarded (to avoid maternal cell contamination)

8. About 20 ml of amniotic fluid is extracted

9. Put the inner tube of the puncture needle back

10. Withdraw the entire puncture needle

11. Put a bandage on the pinhole on the belly and ask the pregnant woman to sit and rest outside the amniotic fluid examination room for 10 minutes. If there is no discomfort, you can go home.