The baby's blood circulates through the umbilical cord, which is why the child's blood can be extracted from it without hurting him. This analysis is carried out when there are strong indications that something is wrong with the fetus. Diagnosable hereditary diseases can also be searched for after genetic counseling. It also serves as a procedure to analyze results that are not clear after an amniocentesis.
When is this analysis performed?
Umbilical cord puncture possible from the 16th week of pregnancy.
Who is it indicated for?
It is mainly used when it is suspected that the mother and child could have a blood incompatibility, which occurs when a woman with Rh-negative blood group has a child with Rh-positive blood group for the second time.
It may happen that in the first pregnancy the mother has developed antibodies against Rh positive. Through the placenta, these antibodies can reach the child and destroy his red blood cells. If there is reason to suspect, the doctor can test the child's blood with a puncture of the umbilical cord to determine the existence of red blood cells.
If it is shown that the consequences of the incompatibility are serious for the child, a blood transfusion can be given in the womb.
How does the method work?
During the puncture, the doctor inserts a very long needle through the mother's abdominal wall into the vein of the umbilical cord and draws between one and two milliliters of blood. The intervention is controlled by ultrasound.
What does the analysis result reveal?
The puncture primarily provides information to confirm an existing suspicion, for example, that the fetus suffers from anemia. During the intervention, a blood transfusion is already ready in case it is necessary.
A detailed analysis of the fetus's blood can also quickly determine the reason for the anemia: for example, that the child is sick with rubella or toxoplasmosis. The doctor can diagnose different metabolic diseases and discover if there is a blood group incompatibility between the mother and her child. The child's chromosomes can also be analyzed and results can be obtained in two to four days.
What risks does umbilical cord puncture entail?
The risk of unintentional abortion is comparatively high compared to other methods, with a proportion of between one to three percent.
How much does the analysis cost?
The puncture is performed only when there is a well-founded suspicion that the child suffers some type of threat, for which Social Security covers the costs.
Is this analysis used a lot?
Until now it is not a usual prenatal diagnosis method, due to its relatively high risks for the fetus. It is only used when there is a well-founded suspicion that the baby is not developing normally.
What else should I know?
In addition to the diagnosis of diseases that can be treated, such as anemia or infections, incurable diseases and conditions can also be determined. Especially when the puncture is performed late, for example, in the 20th week of gestation, the result for parents can be very harsh, because the pregnancy is already quite advanced at the time of the analysis.
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