Amniocentesis

This document is available in English as well as in languages other than English. Links to the multilingual resources can be accessed further below.

Title: Amniocentesis (Links to English resource)

Summary: An amniocentesis is a test in which a small sample of liquor (water) is taken from around the developing baby. This fact sheet explains how the procedure takes place, what type of tests are carried out on the fluid, who is usually offered to undergo this procedure, the potential risks (if any) associated with the procedure as well as giving guidance on how to prepare for the test.

Organisation: Royal Women's Hospital - Well Women's Services

Publishing date: July 2003

Last reviewed: June 2009

Target audience: Women

Multilingual resources: To download information available in languages other than English click on the selected language. This will take you directly to the resource. The information in brackets gives the format and file size if known. Note that some PDF’s can be quite large and may take several minutes to download.