Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that can diagnose genetic disorders (such as Down syndrome etc) and other hereditary disorders in an unborn baby. The doctor uses a needle to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid from inside your uterus, and then sent to a lab for testing of specific conditions.

Amniocentesis is a prenatal testing procedure usually performed during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. During pregnancy, baby grows inside the amniotic sac. Amniotic fluid surrounds and protects your baby inside the amniotic sac. It also contains some of your baby’s cells. Babies shed these cells as they grow. These cells contain genetic information that helps diagnose genetic conditions.