Late-term amnio

[TraceyM]

Has anyone had an amnio near the end of their pregnancy? My little guy is due 2/19, but because of my history, they are going to do my c-section 1/31. The ob is going to do an amnio on the 30 to make sure his lungs are mature and I was hoping someone could tell me what it is like and what to expect. I'm a bit nervous about it!
TIA!

[Lizbaby4]

I had an amnio at the end of all 3 of my pgs. The first, they did the amnio to check for lung maturity before I was induced.

The second and third, they did as a routine, because of gestational diabetes, to make sure the lungs were mature. Diabetic babies get big faster, but the lungs mature slower. It was not so bad.

The doctor did it in his office with u/s guidance. They use a pretty long needle, but it looks worse than it is. You have to hold still during the proceedure so that the doc can get a clear sample of fluid. I didn't look at the needle going in (as a nurse, I can honestly say I really hate needles...unless I am giving them!), I just kept my eyes on the u/s to watch the baby.

Sometimes if the baby moves into the needle, they can come out with a little scratch. For once, my babies kept still!

It is a pretty cool thing to watch, doesn't hurt very much, and is over in a minute or two.

Good luck!

[Paige]

Tracey... Ange from our board had one done with Zach... I believe at 38 weeks. She said the worst thing was breathing because of your stomach moving up and down the needle. Believe it or not, I called her yesterday on my way back from Williamsburg because I was falling asleep and we were talking about this as I have mine scheduled for next month. She will give you the scoop as well.

[Rita]

I had one done at 35 weeks to test the maturity of the lungs before I delivered and the worst part for me was the pressure from the U/S tech pressing on my stomache to keep the baby from moving. It really was no big deal after it was done, but it is hard stay calm right before it.