The cordocentesis the umbilical cord puncture which links the fetus with the mother to obtain a direct fetal blood sample for analysis.
Cordocentesis or what is the same, funiculocentesis, is an invasive test that is performed last because of its complexity and risks.
The technique consists of extracting blood from the umbilical vein using a needle, crossing the abdominal wall and the uterus. This test is done through ultrasound control and requires informed consent from the parents. Due to its complexity, it should be performed only by expert doctors. It is a rare method.
It should be done after 20 weeks of pregnancy, to ensure that the thickness of the cord is large enough and thus reduce the risk of complications when pricking.
Indications of cordocentesis
As the chorionic biopsy, its main indication lies in the detection on ultrasound of some fetal malformation, but with the difference that it is used to later diagnoses, in the second half of pregnancy. It is used to analyze the baby's karyotype (detect alterations in the number of chromosomes as in Down Syndrome), to detect Rh incompatibility of the blood group between maternal and fetal blood, diagnose coagulation diseases and also to rule out infections congenital
Its advantage over amniocentesis is that the result is obtained quickly between 48 and 72 hours.
Another advantage is that it also serves as a treatment for some diseases. When the fetus suffers from anemia due to Rh incompatibility in which antibodies made by the red blood cells (red blood cells) of the maternal blood destroy those of the fetal blood or some other hematological disease, it is possible to make blood transfusions to the fetus inside the uterus through this technique. It is also possible to administer medications to the baby through this puncture.
It requires minimal prior preparation, which consists of a mild sedation of the mother so that she does not feel pain and at the same time relax the mother and the baby to make the test easier.
Risks and complications of cordocentesis
The risks of cordocentesis They involve 1-3% complications. The risk of abortion is greater than with amniocentesis (between 2-6 percent). Other complications are: threat of abortion, injuries to neighboring structures, infections, premature delivery.
It does not imply a risk of anemia for the fetus since only 1 to 3 millimeters of blood are drawn from the baby.
Like the other invasive tests discussed above, it is a technique in which the doctor suggests or recommends its performance, but the final decision is always made by the parents and they can refuse to undergo it.
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