Introduction
During pregnancy, due to the influence of poor lifestyle and environmental pollution, the probability of fetal abnormalities is relatively high. In order to ensure the health of the fetus, many pregnant women choose to undergo two common prenatal diagnostic tests – chorionic villus puncture and amniocentesis. Although they are relatively similar in terms of fetal testing, they are different. This article explains how they differ.
1. Surgical site
Villi and amniotic fluid are two different types of placental tissue. Villi refer to the placental tissue connected to the mother\’s body, while amniotic fluid is a fluid produced by the fetus. Chorionic puncture is performed on the villous tissue. During this process, the doctor will insert a long and slender needle into the uterus to penetrate the chorion, and then extract a small amount of villous tissue and placenta tissue. Amniocentesis is mainly performed in the fluid between mother and fetus. The doctor will insert a long, thin needle through the abdominal wall to the uterus and fetus, and draw a small amount of amniotic fluid through a small syringe.
2. Surgical process
Both chorionic and amniocentesis need to be done with sterile technique to avoid infection. Before performing chorionic puncture, the doctor will apply an anesthetic or analgesic and use ultrasound control. After the puncture, the doctor will check the baby\’s heartbeat to ensure the baby\’s safety. This process usually only takes a few minutes. Amniocentesis requires the use of techniques such as fluoroscopy. During this procedure, the doctor cleans the mother\’s skin and then injects a dose of anesthetic into the abdomen using non-invasive techniques. The doctor will then insert a needle into the amniotic fluid sac. There will be some brief discomfort as the needle penetrates the amniotic fluid, but this is usually not too painful. During this procedure, doctors need to monitor the fetal heartbeat and ensure that the amount of amniotic fluid taken is safe.
3. Applicable objects and adverse reactions
Chorionic villus aspiration is performed when certain high-risk abnormalities occur during pregnancy, such as Down syndrome, spina bifida, etc. Amniocentesis is suitable for any prenatal check-up over 20 weeks of pregnancy, including Down syndrome, neural tube defects, pulmonary dysplasia, blood diseases, etc. Because of the high accuracy of chorionic puncture, this process often causes a lot of psychological stress for both medical staff and patients. Some possible adverse reactions include pain, bleeding, infection, and fetal death. Amniocentesis also faces similar risks, such as infection, loss, premature birth, rupture of amniotic fluid, etc.
4.Conclusion
Although there are some important pros and cons to villus piercing, there are situations where this method may not be optimal. Amniocentesis is a safer and more convenient prenatal check-up method with high accuracy. If a patient requires prenatal screening, it is best to consult a professional doctor for a comprehensive evaluation beforehand. Before choosing another prenatal screening method, learn more about the differences between the two tests to ensure you make the right decision.
