Amniotic fluid and midtrimester amniocentesis: a review.
The potential risks of midtrimester amniocentesis resulting from the loss of amniotic fluid are reviewed. Amniotic fluid fulfils important functions in fetal well-being, but its replacement time after amniocentesis is not known. A review of experimental amniocentesis in animals suggests risks to limbs and structural changes in fetal lungs. In humans, orthopaedic abnormalities and respiratory difficulties appear to be a risk of amniocentesis, and studies addressing these risks are also reviewed. Continued investigation of risks from fluid loss at midtrimester amniocentesis is recommended.
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008251:Macaca; D051379:Mice; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D051381:Rats; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000209:etiology; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity