What does amniocentesis test for?

Amniocentesis is an important prenatal diagnostic procedure primarily used to assess fetal health. By extracting a sample of the amniotic fluid from the pregnant woman, doctors can analyze the fetus's genetic makeup, lung maturity, and the presence of genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. Amniocentesis can detect genetic defects such as cystic fibrosis and hemophilia, evaluate the maturity of fetal lung development, and screen for inherited familial diseases like thalassemia and phenylketonuria. Additionally, it allows for chromosomal karyotype analysis, aiding in the diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Although amniocentesis carries certain risks, it has a high accuracy rate and remains a crucial examination for specific pregnant women to understand fetal health status.