Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

Do you feel pain or does the anesthesia make it painless?

I am terrified of needles! I don't know how I am ever going to deliver this baby.

Message edited 7/22/2008 3:25:50 PM.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

I only felt a slight pinch when I had my amnio.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

no

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

I had 2 of them.
they did not numb the area for me.
My first one was uncomfortable but bearable, this time around didnt feel a thing! It was very easy! It was after that I had to take it easy for 3 days.

you will be fine, its a 123 thing, over before you know it.
neat thing is you get to see your bean, b/c they take a ton of measurements

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

with all of the non-invasive screening tests, many women choose to avoid amnio unless there is some reason for it (an unusual screening test result, higher-risk pregnancy).

I think the real reason to avoid it is not becuase of discomfort / needles... rather it's the small but none the less present risk to the baby. there's something like a 1% chance that it may induce a miscarriage or cause a major complication...

I think it's best you speak to your Dr about the benefits / risks before coming to a decision on whether to have it done or not.....

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

I don't plan on having one. I'll be 35 the month after the baby is born. All of the preliminary screen tests have come back with great results, so I'm going to skip the Amnio.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

I decided to have an amnio after our triple screen came back abnormal. The pain of the test was nothing compared to the worry and angst over the results and possible complications. That said, and with a full report back showing no problems it was worth all the worry.

Without the abnormal screening results I would never have considered an amnio.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

only if I have to.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

The only reason I'd have one done is if the non-invasive tests showed there might be a problem.

I think the amnio and CVS are offered as an option to all women over 35.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

I had one. It was not painless, yet it was not debilitating. One just needs to be very careful afterwards as to not overexert oneself.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

I had an amino it was a hard pinch then nothing. I went to a place where they do them all the time so they were experts, I had to rest for a few days but everything was fine. You just have to take it easy afterwards.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

I had it and while I was surprised that it hurt a bit more than I thought it would, I am so glad I had it done.

Also, the risk for miscarriage is actually less than .5%.

Re: Do you plan get Amniocentesis?

The question is not about having an amnio or not. It's whether it hurts or not.

To answer the OP.

You don't get an anesthesia. I only felt a small pinch but no pain or discomfort. And I have NO tolerance for pain.

I felt very confident in the Dr I had. He had extensive experience in doing them. I was also completely focused on the screen. I could see the needle and I was watching the baby move. I was making sure he was not poked so I was not really focusing on the actual needle.

One advise. Do not eat prior to it. The baby is calmer without food in you.