Does amniocentesis hurt?

Amniocentesis is an invasive test and some pain is inevitable during the puncture procedure. However, the pain is mild, similar to that of a blood draw, and is usually tolerable. Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that is performed at mid-term pregnancy, ideally between 17 and 21 weeks. This is when the amniotic fluid volume is relatively large and the fetus is small. When amniotic fluid is extracted by needle puncture, it is not easy to stab the fetus, and the extraction of 20-30 ml of amniotic fluid will not have an adverse effect on fetal development, and the success rate of cell culture is high. This is done by passing a thin needle through the abdominal skin, muscles, and uterine wall into the uterine cavity under ultrasound guidance and extracting some amniotic fluid for laboratory testing. Amniocentesis can detect to some extent whether the fetus has any relevant defects. To perform amniocentesis, attention should be paid to preoperative cleanliness, postoperative hygiene of the incision, checking for bleeding or discomfort, and more rest and avoiding strenuous exercise.