We now accept payment from CareCredit, click here to Pay My Provider. To learn more about CareCredit contact us at 302-319-5680. As a safety precaution during peak flu season we are temporarily restricting visitors to age 16 or older at our Abby Medical Center and Christiana Hospital locations starting on Monday 2/19.
Delaware Center for Maternal & Fetal Medicine of Christiana Care, Inc.
Abby Medical Center Office: One Centurian Drive, Suite 312, Newark, DE 19713
Christiana Hospital: 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Suite 1992,Newark, DE 19718
Phone: (302) 319-5680    Website: www.DCMFM.com
Updated COVID-19 Policy 11/15/2022
All patient and visitors must wear a mask and will be screened for illness at check- in

If you have any of these symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea or loss of taste or smell or have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact our office at (302) 319-5680 prior to your appointment.

New patients must complete new patient paperwork prior to their appointment:
  • Pregnant patient paperwork - Click Here
  • Non-pregnant patient paperwork - Click Here
  • Or you may click on "FORMS" to print new patient paperwork

  • Please bring a valid photo ID and current insurance card at every visit. New patients should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to their appointment time to check-in. All patients should be prepared to pay their copay at the time of service.
    After your appointment please visit us at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MFMPatientSatisfactionSurvey to complete a brief survey about your experience. We appreciate your feedback!
    Amniocentesis

    What Is Amniocentesis?

    Amniocentesis is a prenatal test in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the sac surrounding the fetus and is tested. The sample of amniotic fluid (less than one ounce) is removed through a fine needle inserted into the uterus through the abdomen, under ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Different tests can be performed on a sample of amniotic fluid, depending on the genetic risk and indication for the test.

    Why Is an Amniocentesis Performed?

    Amniocentesis is performed to look for certain types of birth defects that are chromosomal abnormalities.

    An amniocentesis presents a small risk for both the mother and her baby.  The prenatal test is generally offered to women who have a significant risk for genetic diseases, including those who:

    • Have an abnormal ultrasound.
    • Have a family history of certain birth defects.
    • Have previously had a child or pregnancy with a birth defect.
    • Will be 35 or older at the time of delivery.

    Amniocentesis does not detect all birth defects, but it can be used to detect the following conditions if the parents have a significant genetic risk:

    • Down syndrome
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Muscular dystrophy
    • Tay-Sachs and similar diseases

    Amniocentesis can also detect certain neural tube defects (diseases where the brain and spinal column don't develop properly) such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

    An ultrasound is performed at the time of amniocentesis because it may detect birth defects that are not detected by amniocentesis (such as cleft palate, cleft lip, club foot, or heart defects). There are some birth defects, however, that will not be detected by either amniocentesis or ultrasound.

    If you are having an amniocentesis you may ask to find out the baby's sex.  An amniocentesis is the most accurate way to determine the baby's gender before birth.

    An amniocentesis can also be done during the third trimester of the pregnancy to determine if the baby's lungs are mature enough where an early delivery may be warranted. Another indication could be to evaluate for infection in the amniotic fluid in certain situations.

    When Is Amniocentesis Performed?

    If your doctor has recommended an amniocentesis, the procedure is usually scheduled between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy.

    How Accurate Is Amniocentesis?

    The accuracy of amniocentesis is about 99.4%.