Is it still meaningful to perform umbilical cord blood puncture at 35 weeks?

Generally, performing cordocentesis at 35 weeks is usually meaningful if previous tests have shown abnormalities requiring definitive diagnosis; however, if prior examinations are normal and there are no special concerns, the procedure has limited value. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If earlier ultrasound, maternal serum screening, or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) indicated risks such as fetal chromosomal abnormalities or intrauterine infection, performing cordocentesis at 35 weeks can provide a definitive diagnosis. This helps guide the physician in planning delivery and postnatal interventions, making the procedure generally valuable in such cases by enabling timely management of potential fetal health issues.

If all previous prenatal tests have been normal, fetal development is consistent with gestational age, and there are no signs of abnormalities, cordocentesis at 35 weeks offers little benefit. At this stage, the fetus is nearly full-term, and the procedure carries risks such as bleeding and infection. Moreover, since delivery is imminent, the test results may have limited impact on subsequent clinical decisions, while potentially increasing risks to both mother and baby.

The decision to perform cordocentesis at 35 weeks should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of prior prenatal findings and requires thorough discussion with a physician. If the procedure is deemed necessary, it should be performed at a qualified medical institution, and close monitoring of fetal movements and maternal symptoms after the procedure is essential to ensure maternal and fetal safety.