When you're expecting a baby, it's normal to have a little bit of anxiety about your baby's health. So sometimes doctors suggest special tests to check for certain conditions in your baby. One such test, which is a bit complicated, but can be very important, is called cordocentesis. Today, we'll talk about it in a simple way that you can understand.
What is cordocentesis? Simply put...
Cordocentesis is a test that takes a small sample of blood from your unborn baby's umbilical cord. This can help detect genetic mutations, blood disorders, or infections before the baby is born. In addition, it can sometimes be used to give the baby medication or even a blood transfusion through the umbilical cord.
Other names for this are percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) or funipuncture. However, most often, doctors use the name cordocentesis.
Why is this cordocentesis test performed?
Usually, when you become pregnant, your doctor will order ultrasound scans and blood tests. These give you a basic idea of the baby's health. However, sometimes, if these basic tests give you the slightest hint that there might be a problem, your doctor may want to investigate a little deeper.
Then, invasive tests such as amniocentesis (a test that takes a small amount of fluid around the baby) or chorionic villus sampling (a test that takes a small piece of the placenta) may be done.
However, if the information is still unclear after these tests, or if further confirmation is needed, then your doctor may recommend a cordocentesis test. This is usually used as a last resort.
What can be found in this test?
This test can detect various health conditions of the baby in the womb. Here are a few examples:
- Anemia: This means a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells.
- Thrombocytopenia: This refers to a decrease in the number of platelets, which help blood clot.
- Blood diseases: For example, conditions like fetal hemolytic disease, which causes the baby's red blood cells to break down quickly.
- Chromosomal abnormalities: These are either inherited or random genetic mutations. An example is Down syndrome.
- Infections: Infectious conditions such as toxoplasmosis or rubella.
- Isoimmunization: This occurs when the blood types of the mother and baby are incompatible.
When is cordocentesis performed during pregnancy?
Doctors usually perform this test anytime after 17 weeks of your pregnancy. The reason for this is that by that time, the umbilical cord has grown to the required size, making the test easier to perform.
Who is doing this test?
This test is usually done in a hospital or a special clinic. Also, it is performed by an obstetrician who is a specialist in pregnancy and childbirth. He has a lot of experience in this.
Is this an invasive test?
Yes, cordocentesis is an invasive test. That is, it is done by making a small hole in the skin and inserting a needle. This type of test is only done if other tests have not provided enough information.
How should you prepare before the test?
Your doctor will give you all the instructions you need before this test. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.
- You may be asked to fast (no food or drink other than water) for a few hours . This is to prepare you for an emergency C-section if you need to have an emergency C-section as a result of this test.
- To help prevent infection, you may be given IV antibiotics before the test.
- Also, the doctor may take a blood sample from you to compare it with the baby's blood.
- If possible, bring a friend (like your mother, sister, or brother) with you during this time. It will give you a lot of mental strength. It is also a good idea to have someone to drive you home after the test.
What happens during the test?
When performing a cordocentesis test, the doctor will:
1. First, you will be made to lie down on an examination table and asked to stay still .
2. Then your stomach area will be cleaned.
3. Sometimes, you can get an anesthetic injection into a part of your stomach to numb the skin so you don't feel the pain.
4. Next, a gel is applied to your belly and an ultrasound machine (ultrasound technology) is used to look inside. This allows the examination to be performed safely, showing the exact position of the baby and the umbilical cord.
5. Then, a very fine needle is inserted through your abdomen into a blood vessel in your umbilical cord. At this time, you may feel a slight pinch, or a slight squeezing or cramping sensation in your abdomen.
6. Using that needle, a very small amount of the baby's blood is taken as a sample.
7. Then the shell is carefully removed.
8. Finally, the blood sample is sent to the laboratory for the necessary tests.
Remember, cordocentesis is not just a method for taking a blood sample, but can also be used to give medication or treatment if necessary. For example, if the baby has anemia, a blood transfusion can be done through this method.
What happens after the test?
After the test is complete, the doctor may monitor the baby's fetal heart rate for a while.
You may feel a little crampy or uncomfortable for a few days after the test. Therefore, it is best to rest and not exert yourself too much that day.
What are the risks of this cordocentesis test?
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling is an invasive procedure, so there are some risks. It is important to know everything in detail.
It is said that about 1 or 2 out of every 100 tests can result in a miscarriage. Also, sometimes this test can lead to an emergency C-section, which can result in the baby being delivered prematurely.
Apart from this, there may be several other risks:
- Blood loss in either the baby or the mother.
- Cord hematoma.
- Slow fetal heart rate.
- Infection in the baby or the uterus.
- Premature rupture of membranes, which can cause the baby to be born prematurely.
- Separation of the placenta from the uterus.
You may be scared to hear about these risks. However, your doctor will only recommend this test if he or she feels the benefits of the test outweigh the risks. So, talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
How long does it take to know the results?
The results of a cordocentesis test are usually available within a few days .
What do the results say?
Once the results are in, your doctor, possibly along with a genetic counselor, will explain the results to you.
- Normal results: This means that there is nothing wrong with what was found so far. However, you may still have several follow-up appointments to monitor your and your baby's health.
- If the results identify a problem (Problem detected): The doctor will then talk to you about the treatment options available to you. These can be very different. For example:
- Medicine to treat an infection (antibiotics or antivirals).
- Blood transfusions for the baby.
- Sometimes, if the condition is too serious to be treated, you may need to talk about termination of the pregnancy. This is a very sensitive matter, so your doctor will explain everything to you and provide you with the support you need.
If something like this happens after the test, you need to call the doctor immediately!
After a cordocentesis test, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately:
- If you feel cold and have a fever, you have `(Chills)`.
- If the stomach cramps don't get better throughout the day, they are called ``Cramps that don't get better''.
- If you feel like your baby is moving less, it is called ``Decreased fetal movement''.
- Fever.
- If a watery liquid comes out of the vagina (it could be amniotic fluid).
- Vaginal bleeding.
If you see things like this, see a doctor without delay.
Finally, things to remember
Cordocentesis is an invasive prenatal test that involves taking a blood sample from the umbilical cord of the unborn baby to check for abnormalities. It is also used to administer medications or blood transfusions if necessary.
If you have any concerns about the health of your unborn baby, talk to your doctor and be fully informed about the risks and benefits of prenatal tests like these. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have. The doctor will explain everything to you.
Wishing you and your baby good health!
` Cordocentesis, Cordocentesis, Cord blood sampling, Pregnancy tests, Fetal health, Genetic diseases, Prenatal diagnosis
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න