What is the purpose of an amniocentesis during pregnancy?

Amniocentesis is a medical procedure that involves extracting a small amount of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus. The primary purpose of this procedure is to test for genetic disorders. The amniotic fluid contains cells shed by the fetus, which can be analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other genetic conditions.

While it is true that amniocentesis can also provide information about the sex of the baby, this is typically not the primary reason for the procedure. The focus of amniocentesis is to identify potential genetic issues that could affect the fetus, making it a critical tool for expectant parents at higher risk for genetic conditions.

Other options mention monitoring fetal heart rates or maternal health, which are assessed through different methods such as ultrasound or non-stress tests, rather than through amniocentesis. The procedure's main goal is the acquisition of genetic information from the amniotic fluid to help parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy and prepare for any required medical interventions.