Amniocentesis - cost and other info.

[sunnysideup]

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

 

[catlam]

Hi Summer,

You can take a look at this website: http://www.hkpdc.com/service03.html.
I haven't done the test but I heard from friends that Dr. Lam at this clinic is very good at all kinds of ultrasound and DSS-related tests.

Good luck!

Cat

 

[dee]

send you private message

 

[fridayma]

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.

 

[jaetee]

Do most expecting moms in HK get Amnios?

 

[fridayma]

Not really. Usually women who are 35 or over do the Amnio test.

 

[bekyboo44]

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.

 

[dee]

Bekyboo44, just post you pm

 

[bekyboo44]

Have replied to pm.

 

[Sara]

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.