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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffAmniocentesis is a procedure in which amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus for testing or treatment. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds and protects a baby during pregnancy. This fluid contains fetal cells and various chemicals produced by the baby.
With genetic amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid is tested for certain abnormalities — such as Down syndrome and spina bifida. With maturity amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid is tested to determine whether the baby's lungs are mature enough for birth. Occasionally amniocentesis is used to evaluate a baby for infection or other illness. Rarely, amniocentesis is used to decrease the volume of amniotic fluid.
