Amniocentesis Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have an amniocentesis, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Miscarriage —less than 1% risk
• Bleeding, cramping, and leaking fluid from the vagina
• Infection
• Harm to the fetus by needle (rare)
• Mixing of blood if you and your baby have different blood types
• Need for repeat testing

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Obesity
• Previous abdominal surgery

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen or shoulder
• Vaginal bleeding or a loss of fluid from the vagina
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the amniocentesis site
• New, unexplained symptoms

In case of an emergency, call 911.