Cordocentesis

Cordocentesis is an invasive procedure by which a sample of blood from the umbilical cord is taken. It is done in order to set the final diagnosis (if it is not possible to determine the exact diagnosis by prenatal tests, expert ultrasound, or amniocentesis) or if you have delayed the amniocentesis. In rare cases it is used to check the appearance and number of chromosomes (karyotype analysis). It is done after the 20th week of pregnancy. The procedure lasts 30 to 60 minutes.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• Antibiotics may be used prior to the procedure in order to reduce the risk of uterine or fetal infection. At the beginning of the procedure, the doctor uses ultrasound in order to determine the exact position of the fetus in the uterus (the doctor uses a proton-small plastic device that, with the help of ultrasound waves, gives a picture of the fetus and its position).

• During the procedure, you will lie on your back on the table. Your doctor will cleanse your stomach with disinfectant. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor will carry a thin hollow needle through the abdominal wall to the womb. When the needle reaches the umbilical cord, the doctor will pull a small amount of blood from the umbilical cord to the syringe and then pull the needle out of the abdomen.

POTENTIAL RISK

The following complications may rarely occur: fetal bleeding, hematoma formation in the umbilical cord, slowing of the fetal heart disease, infection, abortion.

PREPARATION

• If the procedure is done between 20-24th week of pregnancy do not eat or drink 8-12 hours before the procedure, because there may be a need for emergency c-section if there are certain complications.

• It is best to come to the procedure accompanied by your partner, family member or friend to give you emotional support and facilitate your return home.

AFTER CORDOCENTESIS

• After cordocentesis, the doctor will continue to monitor the fetal heart rate for some time with ultrasound.

• After the procedure, you need to stand still. It is recommended that one or two days after the procedure you avoid stressful work, training and sexual relations. You should contact your doctor if you have vaginal bleeding or similar disorders.