Which procedure involves inserting a needle into a woman’s abdomen and uterus to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid?

This procedure is called amniocentesis. It involves extracting a very small amount of amniotic fluid which contains cells that are important for tests that can be used to determine the health of the fetus. It is performed using a very small hollow needle and the help of an ultrasound. Due to the fact that his test is invasive and somewhat uncomfortable it is normally offered to women who might be at risk of developing complications related to pregnancy.