Amniocentesis

Definetly recommend getting numb first. My first amnio at age 33 the doctor didn't numb me and I felt that one. It wasn't painful but was uncomfortable for me. The second time at 42 the doctor game me a numbing shot and I did not feel a thing.

I had amnios with all 3 of my kids. Before any needle stuff they do an ultrasound to find the best location to insert the needle to extract fluid. The first time they gave me a shot of novocaine before injecting the amnio needle; the other two they just inserted the amnio needle. Having compared both, if you have a low pain-tolerance, ask for the novocaine. Otherwise, I would say that it's really more of an discomfort instead of pain. It only take about a minute or two for them to extract the fluid, but it seems like longer. Most important is to RELAX.

Hi C.,
I had my last child when I was 39 and had an amnio with that pregnancy. I had totally worked it up in my head that it was going to be awful, and it was not bad at all. I cramped a little afterwards but just took it easy. The actual amnio was not bad at all. It sounds way worse than it really is. I had my five year old daughter with me and my husband and I think he had the worst time with it. My daughter and I actually thought it was pretty cool because they give you a sonogram at the same time so they can see where to place it to draw the fluid out.
Good luck!!!

I've had three kids and never had one. Do you really need it? Will it make a difference? Sometimes drs do things routinely that aren't necessary. And, sometimes moms do things because they assume they should. Make sure you understand what the test is for, what the risks are and decide for yourself if you want it or not. For us, it didn't matter, we would never terminate if something was wrong; so why take the risk if everything was okay? But I understand some people would not want to continue the pregnancy and respect their decision. Good luck.

Hi. It does not hurt. Just close your eyes and put your hands above your head so you don't flinch. Afterwards go home and lay down. Do not pick up anything, this could cause a miscarriage. Go home, lay down and take 2 tylenol for pain. The pain just feels like a small mensrual cramo. Good luck and don't worry.

It's more of a SURPRISE feeling rather than pain..It's hard to explain. Just watch ultrasound screen, not the needle & you'll do fine. I experienced some cramping afterwards..that's normal.

Hi C.,
I had Amnio when I was 39 and it was fine. I don't remember any pain and it was over pretty quickly. Once they remove the fluid the the doctor looked around to see that everything looked ok. They did have us talk to a genetic couselor first so be prepared with medical histories from your families.

If you don't want to know the sex of the baby, let the doctor know because he might let it slip during the procedure.

Good luck! You'll be fine.

I was SOOO nervous when I had mine about 11 months ago, I will tell you it wasn't really painful, but it was extremely uncomfortable, and a little scary because I had contractions around the needle and I wasn't at all prepared for that, so I wish someone had told me about that part (which is normal), also there was kind of a wierd "popping" sound as they went in (which scared mme a little but is also totally normal as the needle goes into the uterus) the good thing is that it only lasted about 40 seconds, I remember because I counted :) It felt really strange more then anything and I think I was just so scared about the needle hurting the baby (which is EXTREMLY rare), that I tensed up and made it worse, my advise is try and relax as much as possible and know that it will be over super quick (although it feels like an eternity :) GOOD LUCK and I am sure you and that little baby will be just fine!

hi C.. i had my first amnio at 37 as well & boy was i scared! it will be okay, though..so try your best not to worry. they will give you a numbing shot in the area first & that's not too bad. then comes the actual amnio. i wasn't prepared for the feeling. i can't really describe it, but keep in mind that they have to pierce all kinds of muscle (your abs included) to get to the sack. this does hurt, in my opinion...but the GOOD NEWS is, that it is over in less than a minute & the only 'pain' is when it first goes in. it does not hurt AS it's being done, ya know what i mean? anyway, just make sure you follow drs orders & STAY DOWN for at least 24hrs afterwards. you may want to rent a few movies before hand & have your sheets clean & room ready for you when you get home. this makes it a little nicer! you may also feel some mild discomfort for a couple days (almost like you did 1,000 sit ups). take a deep breath & know that hundreds of women do this everyday & they come through it just fine - you will too! good luck to ya

It doesn't hurt at all, but remember to rest for the rest of the day after it is over. I had my first baby at 42 and I worried about everything, but the amnio is fascinating!

I've had two amnios. What helped me was distracting myself with the science of it all. Ask to have the monitor screen turned toward you so you can see what they can see. It's really very interesting - it also comforted me to realize that the needle was no where near the baby - even I could see that! You may want to look away from the needle as it is pretty intimidating but it's really not that painful.

Hi C., I had one when I was only 20. The AFP test came back abnormal, like I was a 40 year old pregnant women instead of a 20 year old and they wanted to do one to make sure my baby was going to be ok. He was fine, a little premature, but ok. He is now 15. The amnio itself is a little painful and uncomfortable from what I remember. My mom was with me and she held my hand and had her other hand covering my eyes. They didn't give me anything for the pain, not sure if that has changed or not. Just remember your doc's know what is best for you and your baby. If you can, just try to relax. THey stuck the needle in next to my belly button and they used an ultrasound machine to make sure they were poking the right place to get the fluid. I will keep you in my prayers. Good luck!
M.

Hi C. -- not to worry -- I've had 2, one for my first and one for my current pregnancy. It doesn't hurt, you feel a bit of pressure, but that's all. They do an ultrasound to find the baby and find a 'pocket' of fluid so that the baby isn't harmed. Whole process takes about 5-10 minutes. Then the rest of the day they say to relax, take it easy -- a good excuse to lay on the couch and catch up on reading or TV shows. Then no lifting/carrying, excersize (sex) for the following 48 hours. It's a breeze -- don't worry -- then you'll get your results in about 2 weeks -- and you'll definitely sleep easier after that (I just got my results back 2 weeks ago :-))

Hi C.,

I had amnio when I was pregnant 25 years ago. It didn't hurt that much, just a poke, but they use a really long needle so don't look. It is actually pretty quick and definitely worth it for the easing of worry.

V.

C.,

Hi. I had two of them and I had two different experiences. The first time they didn't numb the area but the second time they did. I will be honest with you the numbing needle hurts more than the amnio needle does. It is more of a pinching feeling. My biggest piece of advice is not to go by yourself. Take someone who's hand you can squeeze. It will make you feel a lot better. Also when they go to put in the needle take a deep breath and as they advance the needle let the breath out. I think it is a mind thing but it helped me to forget the pain a little. I hope this helps and that I didn't freak you out!! Good Luck!!

S.

Hi C.,
My first question would be why are you having amnio? Have you had an ultrasound? Is a problem suspected? Yes, you are of advanced maternal age (lovely term!) but is this your first baby? Sometimes the statistics sound scary. Will you abort if there is a problem? Is there a disability that warrants an abortion? There is a small risk of miscarriage - how hard was it to get pregnant? I haven't had amnio but I have had 3 babies since I was 35 and was encouraged to every time. There was a suspected problem with one baby that resolved itself before birth - and the doctor told me some women would abort if a problem was even suspected. She turned out perfectly.
The question is - is this something you need or something the doctor wants?

I was also told to have an amnio but I refused. I ask my Dr. to do all other blood work and test and if there was a problem then I would do the amnio. All other test came back normal. I am the proud mother of a normal 22 month old son. I will be 39 yrs. in July.

Hi C.,

Sorry - thought it was for this Thursday - not last Thursday. Happy to hear it went well!

You'll feel some uncomfortable pressure and mild pain when they insert the needle in to your abdomen. It's not overwhelmingly painful though and it's over quickly. My biggest suggestion is that you don't watch the needle go in and that if you have someone with you that they don't give you a play by play commentary! Really . . . you don't need to know!

I've had three of them. They really don't hurt that much. As the others have said, don't look at the needle. You do feel somthing, but it's really not pain, from what I remember. Maybe more pressure. Rest for about a day after, to be on the safe side.
Good luck.

You don't have to take it. I didn't. My husband and I talked about what we would do if it came back with any negative results.... nothing! So, we decided to say no to it and all the other tests of the genetic kind. I was 38 with my first and 40 with our second. Both are beautiful, healthy children.

C.,

I had one at 36 weeks with my first child who was breech. They were checking for lung development because they wanted to do a c-section (fortunately he wasn't ready so we were able to delay for a couple of more weeks). It was freaky but it wasn't that big of a deal and I didn't find it that painful. It just kind of was a pinching sensation. Of course I was so far along that my uterus was stretched pretty thin and my perinatologist said they are much easier to do and less painful the further along you are.

I was offered an amnio earlier in my pregnancy because my son showed some of the markers for down syndrome on the ultrasound. I said "no" because at 6 months pregnant, the risk of miscarriage from the amnio was greater than the risk of down syndrome and I wouldn't have aborted anyway. So before you agree to it, do put some thought into what you'd do with the results when you get them if something is wrong. If the answer is "nothing" you may want to skip the amnio. It is not risk free, either. For the record, my son does not have downs syndrome.

I think when you are an "older" mom (I'm an older mom too!), they like to run all sorts of tests and freak you out but unless there is some point to the testing, I prefer to not. But that is obviously a personal decision.

Good luck,
T.

I've had two of them and they were painless. I was surprised. My only advice... don't look at the needle. I think it's psychologically intimidating. Just focus on the monitor where they're doing the ultrasound, or look at a spot on the wall. It doesn't hurt, and it will be over very quickly.

Take care,
B.

I've had 2 of them. They didn't hurt at all for me but waiting for the results was a nightmare! Unfortunately for us, the results on one of the pregnancies were devastating. I think that your decision to have the test is wise-it is not just about having the choice to terminate as many believe. It is also about preparing for a special needs child-both emotionally and physically. Knowing in advance allows you to prepare yourself and your family, and also to do lots of research. The chances of any problems are slim so I will pray that your baby is completely healthy. Best of luck and Congratulations.

I had my one and only amnio almost two years ago because of my "mature" age (35!). It was practically painless. An ultrasound will be done simultaneoulsy so that they can locate the "pocket" of fluid. You'll feel pressure, but the procedure is so quick, you'll feel little else. They'll apply more pressure after the fact so as to ensure the site has closed/healed, but that's no big deal either. I was surprised at how quickly it was done. Good luck, Mom!

Hi C. -- Just wanted to write and say good luck to you if an amnio is what you decide to do. I am 40 and just had my second child in January. I had my first at 35 and neither time did I have an amnio. I have a very "old school" doctor -- in the sense that if the blood screening tests seem fairly reasonable -- both my quad screens were slightly elevated for Down's Syndrome (1 in 99 and 1 in 112) -- than just leave it alone and if worried, do additional higher resolution ultrasounds to check for abnormalities. My husband and I were also okay with having a special needs child -- having both worked with developmentally disabled adults in our lifetimes. I was very scared of/opposed to having an amnio and would probably not have done it unless my doctor recommended it -- which he wouldn't do unless he really thought something was off.
Do what works for you and I am sure all will be well. I know a lot of women who have had them, and like most things around pregnancy and birthing, if you can just relax and go with it I am sure all will be well. Best of luck to you. aloha JP

I to had an amnio at 37 and was very nervous. I was afraid because people were telling me horror stores. I am now a pro since I have had 2 amnio's, one with each pregnancy. For me it hurt when the needle was inserted but that was it. The second time I was not so afraid but still nervous and it didn't hurt as much. My doctor advised me to go home and stay off my feet for 24 hours and that is exactly what I did. For me it was a relief to find out my baby was safe and I was glad I had the amnio. I had my second child and amnio at age 40.

I had an amnio at age 39 and it was not nearly as bad as I had envisioned. The worst part for me was seeing the huge needle (I hate needles!). But the doctor who did the procedure sprayed the area with a local anesthetic. I could feel the needle go through the abdominal wall, and then through the uterine wall; but it didn't hurt due to the numbing. I had some mild cramps that day; they were actually milder than my normal menstrual cramps. I took the next day off from work because that's standard procedure in Germany (where I live). My husband was there to hold my hand during the procedure. The doctor seemed to have removed quite a bit of amniotic fluid, which made me say, "Save some for the baby!" I think she took about 3-4 test tubes full of fluid. She assured me that there was plenty of fluid left for the baby.

I got preliminary test results for trisomies 21 (down syndrome), 18, and 13 the next day. The full report came back a couple of weeks later. It takes time to culture enough cells to get the full picture. In Germany you can specify whether or not you want to know the gender. I didn't want to know. The doctor who did my amnio was a specialist whose specialty was doing amnios and analyzing the results.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

C.,
It doesn't hurt, and it will be fine. No worries... I've had plenty, 5 C-sections, and I usually went back to work right after the test... teaching first graders. They put a bandaid on the incision....
take care,
C.

Hi C.,
I had an amnio done with my second child back in 1996. I felt the same way you did - afraid and worried. For me - I didn't find it to be very painful, just somewhat uncomfortable. But I focused on the monitor where I could see my baby and tried not to pay attention to what they were doing to me. It was amazing how I could see all the details of my baby. And I'm sure that the technology has improved since 1996. You will get through this and it will be fine. I wish you the best of luck!! =)

I've had two amnios. I don't even remember the first one as it was quick and painless. I had a little cramping for about 1/2 hour at the site, but nothing major. They advise you to rest for a day or so and I would follow that advice. The second one, I was quite ill when they did it and it was difficult for me to relax. I meditated before each one, but the second time my uterus contracted and it took a bit for them to get the needle in. While the needle looks daunting, you really don't feel it. At least I didn't. I felt pressure the second time, but had no problems afterward. Resting afterward is key.
Best wishes to you.
B

I'm 38 and expecting #3. If I had spoken with my other 30-something girlfriends about their amnios, I would have done one too. The amnios today are not like the amnios from the past. The incidence of anything contrary happening is so slim, I'd consider it an anomaly.
If I'm pregnant again, I'll definitely have an amnio without reservation.
Good luck, I'm sure it'll go without incident.

I had an amnio done at 44 1/2 years old when I was 5 1/2 months pregnant with my daughter. It was a little uncomfortable when they first put the needle in but other than it was fine and you get distracted with watching the baby and finding out the sex.

C., I had an amnio with my first child, who is now five. I don't know how far along you are, but I was about 8 months along when I had mine. I don't recall it really hurting at all, but I did have to rest the rest of the day (I had been expecting to go back to work) at home. It is a really long needle, but they used guided ultrasound to do the amnio, so I concentrated on the image of my baby on the screen rather than what they were doing to me. That helped ease the anxiety I was feeling.

Are you having an amnio because of your age? My baby had a problem that is why I had one. None of those tests are something you have to subject yourself to if you don't want to. If you have more than one baby you probably know that already.

I don't know if this helps you at all. I know with my age I'll be told I need all kinds of tests too when I have another baby. That is why I'll most likely have the next one at home and with a midwife because I don't want to have to subject myself OR my baby to all those tests.

Blessings to you!

A. D, 35, Mom of a 4 year old and 22 month old.

It's really not that bad at all---seriously! My husband did hold my hand--and that helped--but it was not bad. The worst was the initial needle prick. :) The rest just feels like pressure--and no I'm not making it less than it was. It was seriously very minimal. Now--I was a typical pregnancy girl. They dr. told me women that start out as clinically overweight or obese they have to use a longer needle--and that in theory can cause complications--but he said even then there were extremely few problems. Hang in there! :) I would recommend resting for 2 days afterward---they recommended 1--I did have the Braxton Hicks contractions (they forewarned about those) and I was 22 weeks along. They do say they don't recommend an amnio if you're 15 weeks or under. The risks of miscarriage are MUCH greater then. But I had no problems---my mom had 3 amnios--no problems. Very minimal--seriously! :) Good luck!!

Hi C.,

I was 41 when I was pregnant with Jordan who's 21/2 yo now. Me and my husband decided to skip the procedure. He said:"I put it in there and nobody can take it out. We will love the child no matter what" - his answer confirmed my decision to skip the procedure. I was hesitant because I had 2 miscarriages already so I didn't want to have another miscarriage (as one of the side effects)
We are blessed. Jordan was born very healthy and growing everyday normally just like any other normal, healthy child :D)
Think it over with your husband. No matter what your decision might be I wish you both a healthy baby.

J. I

Dear C.,
You should ask yourself carefully: why do I need this amnio?

You and your mate should decide how the results of an amnio would change your decision to carry this child or not. If you are adamant that the knowledge received from the amnio will not change your decision then....DON'T DO IT!

In my opinion, the amnio is only to cover the hospital's behind in case something were to go wrong with the fetus and to continue gathering statistical data at the risk of affecting your fetus' viability....fact is, the procedure itself can be dangerous: instances of leaking amnio, infection at the site, continued discomfort throughout pregnancy, onset of contractions... yes, the risk might be slim, but ask around. It's common enough, and again, I go back to this: what is the purpose of this procedure? What knowledge will you gain that will change anything in how you proceed with the rest of this pregnancy? Why risk anything if you don't have to? and you do not, I repeat, do not have to go through with this just because your doctor recommends it.

Am I discouraging you from following through with this? Absolutely.

Am I encouraging you to go online, get all the info you need, and talk it over with your mate? Absolutely.

Am I asking you to sit down quietly and reflectively and wheigh the pros and cons of what you can gain with this information? Absolutely.

Am I hoping you will skip this procedure? Absolutely.

In friendship and support,
V.

I found it to be less painful than a blood draw. It was much easier and less painful than I expected.

I had my first amnio when I was pregnant with my twins that are now 21 mos. old.. I had to have two...at the same time! Check with your Doctor; it seems they recommended tylenol or something prior to in order to help me relax. The first one wasn't so bad - the second wasn't either except I knew more what to expect so I worked myself up a little more. The key is to RELAX. Do whatever you can to stay relaxed; listen to music with a headset/cd player that you bring in, or whatever - good time to practice how you plan to stay relaxed for childbirth! You might feel some cramping after wards; like menstral cramps; but if you just go home & lay low like they recommend you do for 48 hours or so, the after effects will be mild. Your Doctors have performed hundreds, possibly thousands of the amnio's so you have nothing to worry about. Just do your job & be relaxed; let the Dr. do the rest. I agree with having someone there - I held my husbands hand and watched the ultra sound screen also! I didn't use the numbing because I had also been told it would hurt more than the amnio needle - the needle wasn't that bad - it's all a mind game...once again RELAX!! Good Luck!

I've had 2 amnio's at 38 & 41. It didn't really hurt and I had no problems. Don't worry about it.

I had one and it did not hurt at all. They make sure to be the least invasive they can be so as not to start the baby doing anything. You will be fine. It is a scary thing.

Hi C.,
I had an Amnio & to tell you the truth, it wasn't really about the pain I felt (because it wasn't all that bad). What worried me was the way the baby reacted. It appeared that he was frightened because he began kicking and moving his arms & his heart rate increased rapidly. If I had to do it again, I would opt for the CVS, which is less invasive & will not bother your little one. Good luck!

I had two. The first on 8 years ago did not hurt, but the last on 2 years ago was a little on the painful side. Now mind you everyone has different tolerences. Are you bringing someone with you? That helps. Also, don't watch the person, watch the screen. They will show you a ultrasound monitor to see where the baby is so they don't poke in the wrong spot. I know that the whole ordeal is overwhelming, but you will do fine. JUST follow the directions the Doctor gives you. Good luck
K. E

Hi C.,

I had an amnio about 4 years ago and I remember the experience but not the pain so it probably wasn't too bad. I can tell you it does hurt but they do use something on the surface of your skin to help alleviate the pain. I think the physical is just something that we have to endure and thank goodness it lasted a short period. What did help was having my husband with me and feeling comfortable with my doctor. They were both awesome. Remember that you will also get a "peek" at your baby and that part is the best. I also remember being stressed out about my baby being too close to the needle but my doctor was really good and everything turned out ok. I also realized that after this experience, I felt more relieved knowing my baby was healthy and my husband appreciated me a lot more. Some advice: Stay in bed after this procedure. My doctor and husband made me stay in bed for 3 days! But I thanked them for it in the end.

its kind of a wierd feeling. no hurting but you may feel slight contractions. i did, i have had two of them. dont get scared when they have to apply a little more pressure than they do when you get blood drawn. it has to go through quite a tough membrane that keeps your baby safe. if you can imagine what a baloon would feel like inside you and putting a needle through it (but it doenst pop like a baloon) thats the best way i can describe it. i agree with the previous post in 'dont look at the needle'. IF you are afraid of needles. .DONT look at it. ok.. now that more than one person has said that.. i know you will :)

dont be afraid of it. they will have an ultrasound machine going at the time they do this so they can see where the baby is and the baby doesnt get hurt or anything.

Hi C.,

During my second pregnancy I had to get one (3 years ago) and I, too, was very scared. The procedure itself does not physically hurt (a tiny poke and a little pressure). Mentally, however, it can be extremely uncomfortable unless you go in prepared. My nerves got the best of me initially and I got the "shakes" because of it. At that point, prior to them beginning, I decided I would either keep my eyes closed or occassionally look up at a focal point on the ceiling. In addition, I held my husband's hand, remembered to take calming breaths, and told myself all would be ok. Before I knew it the procedure was over (it was surprisingly quick)! I promise you that it is not nearly as bad as you might think. Practice some calming excercises prior and you'll do great.

L. (mom of two great little girls)

I had an amnio at the end of my pregnancy to test my sons lung development. It hurt a little but only for a few seconds. Good luck!

C.,
I had my first amnio at 37 as well. My first pregnancy at 35, I chose not to do it because I thought the risk of miscarriage from amnio was almost the same as the risk of having a baby with birth defect. My neighbor who is an OB/GYN said I must have gotten my statistics wrong because the risk of miscarriage was very small (I can't remember the exact figure). So, when I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter at 37 I had the procedure. I was nervous as heck because my husband's cousin told me, "don't let anyone tell you any different. It hurt like crazy!"
Well, I was a nervous wreck on the day. My doctor was absolutely fantastic! He was very comforting, very informative and so calm. He narrated every step of the procedure so I knew what was coming. He describe the needle entering the abdomen as a slight pressure. And that was exactly what it felt like. Absolutely no pain at all. I've had blood taken by a nurse that hurt a LOT more.
So, I would say it depends on the experience of the doctor performing the procedure. Mine had over 20 years of experience.
BTW, I assume you've already talked with a geneticist who went over the details of what the amniocentesis can and can't tell you, the risks of birth defect at certain age, etc.
Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy.

I was scared too. I only felt a little presure and that was it and no cramping at all. Good Luck! You will do great!!!!!

I have had one and it was not very painful. just pressure. Be Calm and follow the instructions for afterward and you will do fine.

Hi there,

I had the amnio a year ago, and it wasn't bad at all. I was SO nervous, and I hate needles. But it didn't hurt and was over very quickly. I made sure not to watch (the needle in the belly) and I think that helped. I live in Italy, and here they make you stay in bed for 4 days after to rest! That's a but excessive, but do go home and rest up after. Make sure the daddy-to-be pampers you. :)

I wish you the best results!

I had my 1st child when I was 37 and the Amnio went really well. Just don't look at the needle and you will be fine. I did not feel any pain at all. My husband was with me during the amnio and that helped alot!

I had two of these (one w/ each of my kids). I was told that there was less than 1/2 percent chance of miscarriage, I liked the odds and went for it. It couldn't have gone smoother! And I had peace of mind for the rest of my pg that my babies were healthy.
I didn't think they were terribly painful, uncomfortable would better describe the sensation to me, not unlike the discomfort I felt when I got my navel pierced. I experienced some mild cramping that lasted off and on for a few hours after, but I don't know how much was in my head.
I'm sure you know you must rest and take it easy for a couple of days.
Two notes about the results, first, they don't say yes, or no if your baby has genetic defects, they give you probablities, which can be disapointing when all you want to hear is your baby is fine, they give you some statics and kind of let you draw your own conculsions. On the positive note, they call tell you will 100% assurance if your baby is a boy or a girl, (they'll give you thier educated guess at the u/s, but they'll know genetically if it's a boy or girl).

hi C.. I had an amnio done as well with my little guy and if I knew then what I know now I never would have done it. It took us 3 years to get pregnant and I was 33 at the time. The doctor suggested it because of my age to see if the baby carried markers. Now it would not have mattered to me either way but I thought being a 1st timer that I would like to be better prepared. It was scary and when I found out after what the dangers really were I cried that I was so careless with my baby. I know everyone says it's not dangerous but you are sticking a large foreign entity into your belly next to your baby. It doesn't hurt but it feels funny. They wanted me to have another one when I was 37 weeks to make sure his lungs were fully developed because they were going to take him out early( i had a C-section) and I said no way. If there is a specific reason for it and your doc. is recommending it then who am i to stand in the way but as for me when I finally(God willing) get pregnant again no more amnio's for me.Good luck with your choices and remember they are ultimately your choices. You know in your heart. WE will include you in our prayers.

I had an amnio done to check lung maturity before they induced me with my 1st pregnancy. I was terrified, but it really didn't hurt at all. It was just very nerve wracking. Best of luck & congrats on your pregnancy!

I had an amnio with both of my pregnancies, due to age.
It was fine. Sure, you will feel a pinch, much like getting a vaccination...but other than that it was fine and bearable. Sometimes, there is also a "cramping" for a brief moment...much like menstrual cramps. But that is normal.

You can take your Hubby in there with you...that's what I did, and he let me squeeze his hand. And I squeezed the heck out it. LOL

The procedure is quick... make sure you have a good doctor with lots of experience and a nice attitude doesn't hurt.

For me, when I am nervous, I talk a lot to distract myself. But it helped me to keep my mind off it. LOL.

An amniocentesis is the most accurate and conclusive. Not once did I regret having it. It was voluntary, but I chose to do it, for peace of mind.

After the procedure, go home, rest, stay off your feet...have Hubby pamper you. The doctor will inform you of possible after effects...nothing scary. But of course, there should be genetic counseling along with it, and a handout or something.

You will be fine... at least for me, the procedure and experience was nothing as "horrible" as I had imagined. The worst part is waiting for the results though. :)

Don't worry.... the stress & "imagination" is worse. The procedure does go by quickly... but I know it is nervous thinking about it. If I had to go through it again, I would.

take care, and all the best,
~Susan

Hi there - I too was scared. It's the unknown, right? But it wasn't bad at all. I didn't feel the needle. The scariest part for me, was actually holding my bladder. You've got to fill it up and hold it for quite a while. Yuck. I was afraid I was going to pee my pants. But you know? I didn't. And it was fine. I told the doctor when I got there that I was worried. And he was great. Have them tell you everything that they are going to do. And have them reassure you. And it's going to be fine. And my husband was there with me. So I suggest taking your husband, partner, friend, etc. It's nice to have someone hold your hand. And breathe. It's more the fear than the event to get through. And you can do it.

best wishes,

R.

I had my first amniocentesis at 37 too. It is so easy. You can be anxious if you don't know what's coming. It seems like being stuck in the stomach is going to be extremely painful, but surprisingly, it's not. My doctor didn't even numb me up for it because it is not necessary. It actually hurt more to get my ears pierced. You'll get through it...no sweat! :) After it's over, you say to yourself, "I got all worked up for nothing." Now have a healthy beautiful 8 month old girl. This is down the line, but I did get the epidural.

I dont know if this helps, but my husband is a scientist and he recently read an article about how there is no risk with an amnio, that the 1% rate of miscarriage is false and not a direct consequence of an amnio. I guess you should talk to your doctor about this to see if they know about this recent finding. I had two (one for each twin baby) and although it doesnt tickle, it is the only 100% reliable way of knowing if your child has certain genetic diseases and that brings great peace of mind.

I know the feeling the unknown is always scary, though I refused to have one my best friend did go through with hers. I was 36 she was 40. It went well and she said it only hurt a little.
But you really do have to take it very easy the next week. Stay in bed if you can, do not over do it.
We both had healthy babies, have faith all will be well.

Hi C.,

My name is P. and I had an amnio when I was pregnant with my son. Really in the big sceam of things, the amnio is not that big of a deal. In fact it is kind of exciting, because you can see the baby, can find out about the sex and it helps to determine if your baby is healthy. All of these things are important, right?

So just relax and see it a s just another step closer to meeting your baby.

Bets wishes,

P.

I'm 37 too and have had an amnio. (I'm 28 weeks with my first baby) For me, it was a not painful really. Sort of strange, but not painful. They numbed the area with an injection and then put in the other needle (which is not a foot long as I had so often heard through the tales of other moms). From start to finish, it took 3 minutes. I had no cramping or ill effects afterward and I felt a lot better knowing that everything was OK. I also liked knowing for certain, the sex of the baby. Take care, S.