Is Amniocentesis Necessary for IVF for Women Over 35 in the USA?

2024-09-22 19:38:05，visits： 164

As more women over 35 opt for IVF to fulfill their dream of parenthood, the question of whether amniocentesis is necessary has become a focal point. Many expectant mothers face a similar dilemma: for women in this age group undergoing IVF, is amniocentesis a must?

Amniocentesis is a relatively common prenatal diagnostic method. Guided by ultrasound, a thin needle is inserted through the mother's abdomen into the uterus to extract a small amount of amniotic fluid for analyzing the fetus's chromosomal information. Amniocentesis is highly diagnostic and is considered the "gold standard" for detecting chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Compared to other tests like the first-trimester screening and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), amniocentesis provides more accurate results. However, it does carry some risks, particularly for older mothers over 35, as the risk of miscarriage is relatively higher.

Dr. Nathan Zhang, the founder of IVF USA and a senior expert in the field of assisted reproduction, points out that amniocentesis has its indications, especially for pregnant women over 35. Given the increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs, amniocentesis can provide detailed chromosomal information. However, with technological advancements, non-invasive prenatal tests (such as blood tests) have become increasingly popular among expectant mothers. Blood tests can detect free fetal DNA in the mother's blood, identifying potential genetic conditions. This method is not only safer but also avoids the risks associated with invasive procedures, reducing the risk of miscarriage.

Although blood tests cannot fully replace the accuracy of amniocentesis, they can offer initial screening. If blood test results are normal, many women may avoid the risk of amniocentesis. If the blood test results are abnormal, doctors may recommend amniocentesis for more detailed diagnostic information.

In the IVF process in the USA, genetic testing is also becoming more common. Before egg retrieval in IVF, IVF USA conducts a genetic test known as "Consul" for all patients. This test helps identify any genetic disease risks that both partners may carry. Additionally, screening for chromosomal abnormalities in embryos is performed using NGS (next-generation sequencing), which has a very high accuracy rate of up to 99%. Nevertheless, Dr. Nathan Zhang still advises pregnant women to undergo routine prenatal checks during pregnancy to provide double protection and ensure the fetus's healthy development.

For IVF patients over 35, whether amniocentesis is necessary depends on individual circumstances. Each pregnant woman's health status and chromosomal screening results differ, so the specific diagnostic and treatment plan should be tailored by the doctor based on individual test results and physical responses.

IVF USA is dedicated to providing each patient with the most scientific and personalized treatment plan. Dr. Nathan Zhang leads the team in offering comprehensive support for every step of IVF treatment. Currently, IVF USA offers services such as egg freezing and IVF in the USA, with operations expanding beyond the USA to include IVF and egg freezing in Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other regions. We work closely with global IVF specialists to help more families achieve their dreams of parenthood. Whether for egg freezing or IVF, we provide international, professional services to make your fertility journey smoother.