Amniocentesis in early pregnancy using free-hand needle technique under ultrasonic control

A study of 164 patients who had amniocentesis using free-hand needle technique under ultrasonic control showed that the rate of abortion was only 2.9% following single puncture as compared with 4.5% following multiple puncture. Only 1.2% had an abortion when the amniotic fluid was clear, whereas 2.4% had an abortion when the amniotic fluid was colored brown. Only 4 of 8 miscarriages (2.43%) may be related to previous amniocentesis since this occurred within 3 weeks following the procedure. The overall perinatal mortality rate in this group was 2.44% though only one of 164 (0.6%) may be attributed to amniocentesis. One baby (0.6%) had talipes equinovarus.