Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep 2026 – Complete Practice Resource

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At what gestational age is amniocentesis typically performed in cases with a family history of chromosomal abnormalities?

10-12 weeks

15-20 weeks

Amniocentesis is typically performed between 15 to 20 weeks of gestation, particularly when there is a family history of chromosomal abnormalities. This timing allows for the collection of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells and can be analyzed for genetic conditions. Performing the procedure in this window helps balance the potential risks to the pregnancy with the need for adequate fetal cell retrieval for accurate testing.

In the earlier gestational age options, such as 10-12 weeks, the risk of miscarriage associated with the procedure is higher, and the amount of amniotic fluid available for analysis is often insufficient. Conversely, performing amniocentesis after 20 weeks may not be as beneficial for early detection or decision-making regarding potential chromosomal issues, making the 15-20 week timeframe more optimal for this important diagnostic tool.

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20-24 weeks

25-30 weeks

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