Umbilical Cord Blood Sampling (Genetic Test) during Pregnancy

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KEY POINTS

• Umbilical cord blood sampling is a test that may be done during pregnancy. The blood sample can help you know if your baby has a genetic problem, an infection, or another problem with the blood such as anemia.
• Ask your healthcare provider how and when you will get your test results, if there are activities you should avoid, and when you can return to your normal activities.

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What is umbilical cord blood sampling?

Umbilical cord blood sampling is a test that may be done during pregnancy. The test takes a small sample of blood from your baby’s umbilical cord.

It is also called percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) or cordocentesis.

PUBS can be done after 18 weeks of pregnancy.

When is it used?

The blood sample can help you know if your baby has a genetic problem such as Down syndrome, an infection, or another problem with the blood such as anemia.

PUBS is a high risk test. Your healthcare provider may advise that you have this test when:

• More information is needed beyond what was found from other lower risk tests
• Other lower risk tests cannot be done
• You may need more medical care throughout your pregnancy or for your baby after birth
• Your baby may need tests and treatment for a red blood cell problem such as anemia, which may be keeping your baby from getting enough oxygen

How do I prepare for this test?

Your healthcare provider may give you medicines to take the day before the test.

• Tell your provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the test. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the test.
• Your provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the test.
• Follow any other instructions your provider gives you.

Ask any questions you have before the test. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or tests.

What happens during the test?

• The test is done in the hospital. You and your baby will both be monitored during and after the test.
• Your healthcare provider will take a blood sample from you and give you an IV line for fluids or medicine. You may be given local anesthesia to numb part of your body while you stay awake.
• After cleaning your belly, your provider will insert a needle through your skin and uterus and into the umbilical cord near the placenta to get a blood sample. An ultrasound is used to help guide the needle.

What happens after the test?

After the test, you may stay in a recovery area so you and your baby can be monitored, and then you may go home.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

If test results show that your baby has a problem, your healthcare provider will talk to you about your choices for treatment. The information can help you decide how to manage a pregnancy with a baby affected by a problem.

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this test?

There is risk with every treatment or test. The complications from this test may be serious for your baby. Some possible risks include:

• You may have a miscarriage.
• You may need an emergency cesarean section (C-section) if it’s a later pregnancy. A C-section is a procedure to deliver a baby through a cut in your belly and uterus.
• Your baby may have bleeding, a slow heart rate, or an infection.

Normal test results do not always mean that the baby will be normal. Also, in very rare cases, an abnormal result may not be accurate.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.