title: Amniocentesis: indications and complications.
abstract: Transabdominal amniocentesis is described and our experience with this method is presented. No severe maternal complications were recorded. In two cases accidental puncture of fetal blood vessels in pregnancies over 40 weeks led to delivery by cesarean section. We believe that, although fetal complications are rare, the indications for amniocentesis should be significant enough to discount the hazards of the procedure.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D010922:Placenta Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged