to look for certain types of birth defects, such as Down syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality.
Because amniocentesis presents a small risk for both the mother and her baby, the prenatal test is generally offered to women who have a significant risk for genetic diseases, including those who:
• Have an abnormal ultrasound
• Have a family history of certain birth defects
• Have previously had a child or pregnancy with a birth defect
• Will be 35 or older at the time of delivery