What is the most common invasive procedure to assess the fetal condition?

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The most commonly performed invasive procedure to assess fetal condition is amniocentesis.In this procedure,under sterile conditions a needle is inserted through the skin and uterine wall to obtain a sample of fluid from the amniotic sac (see Figure 3-3 in the textbook).Depending on the reason for performing the procedure,the concentration of many substances in the fluid can be measured.For example,as the fetal lung matures,pulmonary surfactant is secreted from the fetal lung into the amniotic fluid,where its concentration can be measured.Fetal cells isolated from amniotic fluid can be used to assess for fetal chromosomal abnormalities (e.g. ,trisomy 21),fetal enzyme deficiencies (e.g. ,Tay-Sachs),and certain discrete genetic mutations (e.g. ,sickle cell disease).

What Is the Most Common Invasive Procedure to Assess the Fetal