ABSTRACT
Amniocentesis is the oldest invasive procedure for prenatal diagnosis. It was first used toward the end of the 19th century for evacuative paracentesis in pregnancies complicated by hydramnion. Fetal lung maturity can be assessed indirectly using both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of amniotic fluid. Pulmonary maturity can be assessed by the measurement of lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio or the concentration of phosphatidylglycerol in amniotic fluid. Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) and preterm labor have been associated with amniotic fluid bacterial colonization. Amniocentesis and gram stain, microscopy, and culture of the amniotic fluid have been advocated in cases of premature rupture of membranes or premature labor. Amniocentesis is used in obstetric cholestasis in order to diagnose meconium-stained amniotic fluid, which is a common complication of this pregnancy-related disorder and related to intrauterine fetal demise.
