Amniotic Fluid Test

Amniotic fluid test or amniocentesis is done by inserting a thin needle, into the womb of a pregnant woman through her abdomen. A little amniotic fluid is drawn out with the needle and then this liquid is tested to detect if the baby inside the womb has any chromosomal abnormalities or malformation of the lungs. The genetic disorders that are most commonly tested by resorting to amniotic fluid testing are the Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome and Turner Syndrome.

What is Amniotic Fluid?
Amniotic fluid is the liquid in the amniotic sac which holds the baby in the womb. This is a nourishing liquid for the developing fetus as it is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and phospholipids. Around two weeks after fertilization, the amniotic fluid starts getting filled with mainly water. However, as pregnancy proceeds, other nutrients are incorporated in the fluid. This fluid is a source of cells that keep scraping off the fetus. These cells are obtained from the sample of the fluid taken during the test and screened for genetic disorders. Other than these roles of the amniotic fluid, leaking during the end of pregnancy is an early sign of labor.

Risks
The test is done at around 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. The needle that is inserted into the womb is guided with the help of ultrasound. The ultrasound helps the physician to insert the needle away from the fetus so that it is not hurt during the process of fluid extraction. Despite all the precautions, one of the risks includes damage to the limbs of the fetus. Other than this, there are also chances of infection from the needle used in the process. Although the puncture in the womb heals on its own and the drawn out amniotic fluid is also replenished, sometimes there are complications with respect to the healing of the puncture that may cause leakage of the amniotic fluid or infection. Certain serious complications can also result in miscarriage.

Test at Home
When we talk about doing the fluid test at home, what we commonly refer to is amniotic fluid leak test. It may leak out during pregnancy. When this happens during the end of pregnancy, it is known as 'water breaking'. This is one of the signs of labor during pregnancy. It is not that the amniotic fluid always gushes out during a water break. In fact, as the baby's head blocks the opening to the cervix, the amniotic fluid may just trickle out, and this increases as pregnancy progresses. This is nothing to worry about, as the mother usually knows that she is going into labor. However, the leaking of the fluid, days before the due date can be a sign of preterm labor. In such a scenario, a woman needs medical attention and bed rest. Hence a pregnant woman needs to be sure if the liquid that is leaking from her womb way before the due date is amniotic fluid or not. In such cases, a leak test at home can be very useful. The FDA has approved an amniotic fluid leak test kit that can be used by a woman at home. It is known as the 'AmniScreen' and is a panty liner test. This test kit works by testing the pH levels of the fluid leaking out a woman's womb. Amniscreen has shown a 96% accuracy in detecting leaking amniotic fluid. It has a pH level which is greater than 5.2. Blue green color indicates leaking fluid. Based on these criteria, if a woman suspects that she is leaking amniotic fluid then she should consult her health care provider. This test kit is of great convenience for women who expect or have experienced frequent vaginal discharge. It is also useful for those who have undergone amniocentesis or are going through a high risk pregnancy.

Be it amniocentesis or leaking amniotic fluid test, the access to the liquor amnii (amniotic fluid) that surrounds the fetus in the womb has given us an opportunity to detect birth defects and make pregnancies safer.