Amniocentesis - cost and other info.

S

sunnysideup

Registered User
Hi girls,

Scared as one should be, I believe I will not be able to avoid amnio testing :( For mothers out there who has undergone this procedure, I'd very much appreciate your advice on:-

1. What's the cost of having amnio? Will it be done at the doctor's clinic or hospital (seperate charge?)?
2. When should it be done (at what gestation week) and how long do I need to wait for the result?
3. I read that amnio not only test for Downs but also for baby gender, chromosomal problems, Neural Tube Defects etc. Will the lab tests for all of the above or will I be billed seperately depending on which test I choose to do?

Many thanks,
Summer
 
Amnio test

Hi Summer,

I'm 21 weeks pregnant. I'd just done my Amnio test 2 weeks ago in a private clinic. It costs about $5000. I got my result in a week and everything is fine. Overall process was smooth. I was very scared at the very beginning and thankfully it did not really hurt (the feeling it's just like the process that you are giving blood). In addition, you do not need to rest long after the Amnio test. I left the clinic 10 minutes after.

You are right that the Amnio test is not only for Down syndrome. It also can test for baby gender, etc..

Hope you find my experience helpful. Thanks.
 
Or if you have the nuchal transluency test and it comes back with a high risk of downs syndrome, then the Doctor will suggest the option of an amnio test.
 
Summer:

I (an over-35 expecting mom) had an Amnio test at 19 weeks. It wasn't in HK so I can't tell you about the cost here. What I want to say is it wasn't bad AT ALL. I too was hesitant about it, but it was quite a straight forward procedure with almost no pain. It was just like a vaccination shot really, with the needle being inside your tummy a little longer. The doctor kept me for about 1/2 hour after that to make sure there was no leakage, and I was advised not to lift anything for the following 24 hours. They used the ultrasound scan during the procedure to help locate the baby, then scanned again after the needle was out to show me that the baby was still breathing and moving normally.

Sara.
 
Hi - I had an Amnio test at Dr Lam Yung Hang's clinic. I was referred to him by my first obstetrician. In the end, we ended up staying with him through my pregnancy and delivery my. He is very good - the procedure was very quick and smooth. I rested at his clinic for half an hour and then went home. After the procedure, it is better to go straight home and rest for a couple of days. It is better to have your husband or a friend go to the clinic with you. You may feel week afterwards and in case you don't feel so well on the way home, he can take care of you. I didn't go to work or do any housework - just rested and relaxed for 2 days. I did my test on a Tues morning, and then Dr Lam called me with the result on Wed afternoon.

You may want to visit Dr Lam's clinic and let him do an ultrasound scan first. He looks for many different signs (the heart, the nose, the back of the neck etc.) for Down Syndrome. Based on what he sees on the ultrasound, then he will tell you his recommendation. Of course you will be the one to make the final decision.

Good luck!
 
Thanks guys!! I feel more reassured now. It's so good to hear from those of you who has gone through the procedure. A couple more questions if you can help:

1. Does a good amnio result means that the baby is 100% free from Downs and other abnomalities?
2. How soon can I fly after an amnio?

Also, can you please let me know Dr. Lam's charges on prenatal (consultations, ultrasound) checkup and for VB delivery? Which hospitals does he work with? Does he charge a higher rate for better rooms?

Thanks very much!
 
Summer:

I can only answer your 2nd question. I had an Amnio at about 4 p.m. and asked the doctor whether it was OK to fly back to HK the following morning. He said yes IF I didn't have any leakage, spotting, or cramps overnight, and I must not lift any bags. Everything was OK with me and I did fly back here the following morning.

Sara.
 
I'm advised by my doctor that the Amnio test shows 99% accuracy for testing Down syndrome and other abnormalities. Thanks.
 
Amnio after OSCAR

fridayma said:
I'm advised by my doctor that the Amnio test shows 99% accuracy for testing Down syndrome and other abnormalities. Thanks.
Click to expand...


I'm a bit confused about the amnio, etc.

I can elect to have it for minimal cost through the Public Health system. I have had the OSCAR test at 12 weeks and it came back saying a 1 in 2000 chance of Downs so the doctor was no concerned, however I'm not sure whether I should still have an amnio given that I am in the advanced maternal age group.

Did any of you have the OSCAR test as well, before having the amnio??? What were the results? Thanks for your help. I'm a bit confused about this.

Tutor
 
Clinic's risk

Did anyone know what the risk of their clinic was?

I was told that the risk was 1-2% "for their clinic" which, contrary to other things I have read on the real risks of amnio, seems very high.
 
amnio

hi
this is a very useful chain. i had my 13 week scan today and from all acounts the baby look normal. my first pregnancy and i am 39. i will know the blood test results in a couple of days...my doc seems to think that if the results are postive (ie limited risk ) and if i get a second opinio from dr lam using the same means then an amnio may not be necessary from her point of view . but my hi=ubbie is vrey keen tho he will wait to see the results of the blood test...has anyone hrd miscarriages occurring due to amnio...what is dr lams reputation on th is topic..i think given my age, and that its a first, it makes sense to get it done but the miscarriage stats seem fairly intimidating..any responses from women who faced a similar situation to me would be highly helpful...
 
Had Amnio at Dr Philip Ho's surgery when I was around 16-17weeks along-it didn't hurt at all, I just relaxed and did my breathing routine and carried on reading my magazine (didn't want to look at the needle)- actually was over very quick. I opted for an amnio rather than the blood test and OSCAR because my friend only found out in her 20 week scan something was wrong. Her baby had not 1 but 2 genetic defects and the professors said to them that the baby wouldn't have lasted till they're 1st b-day, apparently the OSACR was quite low for her as well, it was only when she had the amnio done that they knew about the abnormality, by then she was around 24weeks and had to be induced. Doc said it was ver very rare, but as I was also pregnant at the time, I had an amnio done just for peace of mind. I think mine cost around $8000
 
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