Pregnancy loss rates following second trimester genetic amniocentesis

Data from 3,953 consecutive second trimester genetic amniocenteses were ana lysed to determine pregnancy loss rates up to 6 weeks after the procedure. Information was prospectively collected on a cohort of 3,685 women in 3,896 singleton and 50 twin pregnancies, from 2 operating sites in Perth, Wester n Australia, using 9 operators over the 6-year period, 1989 to 1995. Comple te information regarding pregnancy outcome was obtained for 3,643 of the 3, 685 women (98.9%). There were 27 identified singletons and 1 set of twins l ost within 6 weeks following amniocentesis. The overall pregnancy loss rate in this cohort was 29 of 3,911 (0.74%). The pregnancy loss rate associated with genetic amniocentesis is not excessive in comparison to the calculate d background pregnancy loss rate of 1%, and it is suggested that each prena tal diagnostic team should determine their own complication rates for the p urpose of counselling prior to amniocentesis.