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Amniocentesis involves obtaining few mls (usually 20 mls) of fluid present around the baby (amniotic fluid) and then sent to genetic lab for chromosomal and other studies. The cells in the amniotic fluid originate from the baby and so the chromosomes present in these cells are the same as those of the baby.
The results for Down's syndrome and other major chromosomal defects are usually available within 4 to 5 days. The results for rare defects take 3 weeks. As soon as we get the results, we will call you to let you know.
The risk of miscarriage due to amniocentesis is about 0.1% (1:1000)
Some studies have shown that when amniocentesis is performed before 16 weeks there is a small risk of the baby developing club feet. To avoid this risk, we never perform amniocentesis before 16 weeks.