Cordocentesis: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Cordocentesis or foetal blood sampling is a specialized test conducted on the foetus inside the mother’s womb. In such a procedure, the blood is drawn from inside the foetus or from the umbilical cord. This test is performed if moderate or severe anaemia is detected in the womb. Usually anaemia can occur inside a foetus for a number of reasons, and the Cordocentesis helps reveal the underlying cause behind the anaemia.

Since the test is performed on the foetus, there are some risks associated with the procedure. However, if an experienced perinatologist performs the procedure, the risk factors may be limited substantially. Furthermore, the test can only be performed on a foetus that is at least 18 weeks or more old.

Even though the procedure itself is simple, the pregnant mother needs to stay at the hospital for a few hours post the procedure. The doctor will monitor the baby’s heart rate to screen for any abnormalities related to the condition.

The procedure involves drawing blood from either the foetus or the umbilical cord. This blood is then tested for the count of red blood cells and also the oxygen levels. If the foetus is Rh positive, the mother’s immune system may often attack the blood cells inside the womb, which can cause the anaemia in question.

If the blood is being drawn directly from the foetus, the doctor usually takes it from either the heart or the liver. The mother will lie down comfortably and the doctor will apply antiseptic on your belly. With the help of the ultrasound, the doctor will insert a long needle inside the uterus. Depending on the procedure, the needle may be inserted into the umbilical cord or may even be inserted into the major organs of the foetus.

If the test reveals anaemia in the womb, doctors will try to treat the condition and increase the red blood cell count.

If the doctor suspects an anaemic womb during a routine ultrasound of the pregnancy, they may ask the parents to get the foetal blood sampling done.

If the normal ultrasound of the baby does not reveal any signs of anaemia in the womb, there may not be any need to undergo a cordocentesis.

The procedure does not cause severe side effects in most cases. However, since the blood is generally drawn from either the foetus or the umbilical cord, there are always some risks from the procedure. The risks include bleeding from the site of blood sampling, changes in the heart rate of the baby, infection and leaking of amniotic fluids. In extreme cases, the pregnancy may even get terminated.

Post the test, the mother will have to stay back at the hospital for a few hours or overnight. During the stay, doctors will closely monitor the heart rate of the foetus. This is done to ensure that no irregularities arise, pertaining to the pregnancy. Depending on the result of the test, the mother may need to undergo further treatment as well, in order to maintain a healthy RBC count.

The test is usually safe and does not require any time for recovery. However, the mother will have to stay back at the hospital for monitoring reason.

Usually, the cost for the cordocentesis depends from one place to another. However, it usually costs anywhere between Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000.

Non-invasive DNA testing is often used instead of the cordocentesis. The former test does not involve sample collection from the foetus itself, which makes it much safer. The DNA testing also does not cause any major side effects for the mother or the unborn child.