[Does transabdominal amniocentesis in the 2d trimester affect fetoplacental circulation?]

In a prospective study the authors focused attention on Doppler sonographic examination of the foetoplacental circulation and whether it is influenced by transabdominal amniocentesis. They examined 124 pregnant women subjected during the 17th or 18th week of pregnancy to amniocentesis in the out-patient department. Before amniocentesis and soon after it they examined the flow in the uterine artery on the right and in the umbilical artery. From five consecutive cycles they evaluated the S/D ratio and RI in both vessels and compared the results. They did not record any complications during amniocentesis. Evaluation of the results of both investigated parameters before and after amniocentesis did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the investigated vessels. Based on the assembled results, the authors assume that transabdominal amniocentesis, despite its invasive character, does not influence the foetoplacental circulation and does not have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy.