What is it used for?
Amniocentesis is used to diagnose certain health problems in an unborn baby. These include:
Genetic disorders, which are often caused by changes (mutations) in certain genes. These include cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease.
Chromosome disorders, a type of genetic disorder caused by extra, missing, or abnormal chromosomes. The most common chromosome disorder in the United States is Down syndrome. This disorder causes intellectual disabilities and various health problems.
A neural tube defect, a condition that causes abnormal development of a baby's brain and/or spine
The test may also be used to check your baby's lung development. Checking lung development is important if you are at risk for giving birth early (premature delivery).
