How Do You Recover From An Amniocentesis?
• Plan to rest for 24 hours after the procedure is complete. Arrange for someone else to take you home after the test and take the rest of the day off work and other responsibilities. • Your doctor will probably advise you to avoid standing for long periods of time, exerting yourself with physical exercise or engaging in sexual activity during the initial 24 to 48 hours of amniocentesis recovery. It is also a good idea to avoid stressful situations that could place undue strain on you and your baby during this time. • Know the warning signs of a problem after amniocentesis testing. Call your doctor if any symptoms occur. • While mild cramping is completely normal for the first day or 2 after amniocentesis, pain or cramping in the lower back or abdomen that does not subside should be checked out by your doctor. Contractions, where the abdomen tightens and then relaxes, can also accompany cramping and may signify premature labor has begun. This symptom also requires an immediate call to
