Amniocentesis in Nagpur
Definitive chromosomal diagnosis for your baby — performed under continuous ultrasound guidance by Central India's most experienced fetal medicine specialist.
What Is Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic prenatal procedure in which a small sample of amniotic fluid — the fluid that surrounds your baby in the womb — is collected using a thin needle guided by ultrasound. This fluid contains cells shed by the baby, which carry the baby's complete genetic material.
Unlike screening tests (such as NIPT or NT scan), amniocentesis provides a definitive, diagnostic answer about your baby's chromosomes. It can confirm or rule out chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), as well as a wide range of genetic disorders.
At Mayflower Clinic, amniocentesis is performed by Dr. Kunda Shahane — Central India's most experienced fetal medicine specialist — under real-time ultrasound guidance, ensuring the highest possible level of safety and accuracy.
| Procedure type | Invasive prenatal diagnosis |
| Sample collected | Amniotic fluid (15–20 mL) |
| Gestation window | 15–20 weeks of pregnancy |
| Performed by | Dr. Kunda Shahane, FIFM |
| Guidance used | Continuous real-time ultrasound |
| Anesthesia | Not typically required |
| Procedure time | 5–10 minutes |
| Diagnostic accuracy | Very high for chromosomal conditions |
When Is Amniocentesis Performed?
This timing is important: it gives a definitive answer early enough for parents to make fully informed decisions about the pregnancy, while allowing time to consider options with their obstetrician and family.
In cases where an anomaly is detected later in pregnancy, amniocentesis may occasionally be offered beyond 20 weeks — Dr. Kunda Shahane will advise on timing based on your specific clinical situation.
Who Is Amniocentesis Recommended For?
Amniocentesis is not a routine test for every pregnancy. Dr. Kunda Shahane recommends it when there is a specific clinical indication requiring a definitive chromosomal answer.
What Can Amniocentesis Detect?
The amniotic fluid sample is sent to a specialist genetics laboratory. The tests requested depend on the clinical indication. Dr. Kunda Shahane counsels each patient on which tests are appropriate and what the results mean.
| Test | What It Detects | Result Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid FISH | Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, sex chromosome abnormalities (X, Y) — rapid preliminary result for the five most common chromosomal conditions | 1 week |
| Full Karyotype | All 46 human chromosomes — number, structure, and arrangement. Detects trisomies, monosomies, translocations, inversions, and large deletions | 3 weeks |
| Chromosomal Microarray (CMA) | Submicroscopic gains and losses of chromosomal material (copy number variants / CNVs) that a standard karyotype may miss. Particularly valuable when a structural anomaly is seen on ultrasound | 4 weeks |
| Single-Gene Disorder Testing | Where a specific family mutation is known (e.g. thalassemia, sickle cell disease, spinal muscular atrophy), the fetal DNA can be tested for that specific mutation | 3–4 weeks (varies) |
| Metabolic Disorder Testing | In selected cases where a metabolic or enzyme disorder is suspected based on family history or biochemical markers | Varies by test |
What Happens During Your Amniocentesis at Mayflower?
The entire procedure takes 5–10 minutes. Dr. Kunda Shahane and her team will guide you through every step, and you are welcome to ask questions at any point.
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1Pre-procedure ultrasound
Dr. Kunda first performs a detailed ultrasound to confirm fetal position, placental location, and amniotic fluid volume. This is used to identify the safest entry point for the needle, away from the placenta and baby.
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2Antiseptic skin preparation
The skin of your abdomen is cleaned with antiseptic solution. Local anaesthesia is generally not required — the needle used is very thin (22-gauge) and most patients experience only mild discomfort comparable to a blood test.
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3Needle insertion under ultrasound guidance
A thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the amniotic sac under continuous real-time ultrasound guidance. The ultrasound screen shows the needle at all times, ensuring it does not touch the baby or the placenta.
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4Fluid collection
A small volume of amniotic fluid (approximately 15–20 mL — less than 1% of the total fluid volume) is gently withdrawn into a syringe. The amniotic fluid replenishes naturally within 24–48 hours.
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5Post-procedure fetal check
After the needle is removed, Dr. Kunda performs an immediate check of the fetal heartbeat and the puncture site. This confirms fetal wellbeing before you leave the clinic.
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6Sample dispatch & counselling
The fluid sample is labelled and dispatched to the genetics laboratory. Dr. Kunda discusses the expected timeline for results and what to watch for at home. You will be contacted as soon as results are available, and a formal post-result counselling session is scheduled.
Results Timeline & After-Procedure Care
| Rapid FISH | 1 week — preliminary results for Trisomy 21, 18, 13 and sex chromosomes |
| Full Karyotype | 3 weeks — complete chromosome analysis |
| Chromosomal Microarray | 4 weeks — detailed copy number variant analysis |
| Single-gene testing | 3–4 weeks (laboratory dependent) |
| Result delivery | Dr. Kunda calls directly; formal counselling session scheduled on same day as result |
- Rest at home for the remainder of the day after the procedure
- Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 48 hours
- You may experience mild cramping or lower abdominal discomfort for 24 hours — this is normal
- Light spotting (small amount of blood) at the puncture site is occasionally seen — this usually resolves quickly
- Contact Dr. Kunda immediately if you have significant cramping, heavy bleeding, or notice any leaking of fluid from your vagina
- Attend your scheduled follow-up for result counselling — this is an important appointment
Risks, Safety & What Minimises Them
Amniocentesis is a safe and widely performed procedure — but like all invasive procedures, it carries a small risk of complications. The most significant risk is pregnancy loss (miscarriage). At experienced centres, this risk is approximately 0.1–0.3% (1 in 300 to 1 in 1000 procedures). At Mayflower Clinic, this risk is minimised by Dr. Kunda Shahane's extensive experience and continuous ultrasound guidance throughout the procedure.
The decision to proceed with amniocentesis involves weighing this small procedural risk against the clinical benefit of obtaining a definitive chromosomal diagnosis. Dr. Kunda Shahane will discuss this balance with you in detail before the procedure, ensuring you make a fully informed, pressure-free decision.
- Miscarriage: ~0.1–0.3% at experienced centres
- Mild cramping after the procedure (common, expected)
- Small amount of fluid leakage (rare)
- Infection: very rare with sterile technique
- Needle injury to fetus: extremely rare with ultrasound guidance
- Continuous real-time ultrasound guidance throughout
- Needle entry point chosen to avoid placenta and baby
- Thin 22-gauge needle — minimises tissue disruption
- Dr. Kunda Shahane's extensive procedural experience
- Strict sterile technique throughout
How to Prepare for Your Amniocentesis
- Eat normally on the day — no fasting is required
- Drink water before your appointment so your bladder is comfortably full (not bursting)
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen
- Bring a companion — it helps to have someone with you for the journey home
- Bring all previous ultrasound reports, blood test results, and your NIPT report if applicable
- Clear your schedule for the rest of that day — plan to rest at home after the procedure
- Write down any questions you have beforehand — Dr. Kunda will answer them all before the needle is placed
- Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen) for 48 hours before — inform Dr. Kunda if you are on any regular medications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is amniocentesis painful?
What is the miscarriage risk from amniocentesis?
What is the difference between amniocentesis and NIPT?
How long do results take to come back?
Does amniocentesis tell me if my baby has Down syndrome?
Can I eat and drink before amniocentesis?
What if my amniocentesis result is abnormal?
"Amniocentesis is one of the most important conversations I have with families. The decision to proceed is never simple, and I never want a patient to feel rushed or pressured. My role is to explain the clinical picture clearly, answer every question honestly, and then support whatever decision the family makes. When the procedure is indicated and the family is ready, we perform it with the greatest care — using continuous ultrasound guidance so that I can see exactly what is happening at every moment. The result, when it arrives, is then delivered with the same level of care and honesty."— Dr. Kunda Shahane, MBBS, MS (Obs & Gynae), FIFM, FMF (London)
Fetal Medicine Specialist, Mayflower Clinic, Nagpur
Amniocentesis in Nagpur — Explained by Dr. Kunda Shahane
Watch Dr. Kunda Shahane explain what amniocentesis involves, who needs it, and what the procedure entails — in her own words.
Considering Amniocentesis? Let's Talk First.
Dr. Kunda Shahane is available to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through every step of this process.
Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre strictly complies with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. Sex determination and sex-selective practices are strictly prohibited and punishable by law. All prenatal diagnostic services at this centre are performed exclusively for lawful medical indications. Disclosure of fetal sex is illegal and is not performed at this centre under any circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for patient education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure with associated risks; the decision to proceed must be made after thorough discussion with Dr. Kunda Shahane or your treating obstetrician based on your individual clinical situation. In an emergency, contact your nearest hospital immediately.
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