Fetal exsanguination and other vascular injuries from midtrimester genetic amniocentesis.

A case of fetal exsanguination after midtrimester genetic amniocentesis is reported. Examination of the ration of fetal-to-meternal red cells in the amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis for genetic study from 242 consecutive patients, including the reported case, suggests that fetal hemorrhage is relatively common and difficult to avoid during this procedure. It also appears that hemorrhage occurs significantly more oftern when the placenta is located anteriorly. Reasons as to why the accident is rarely fatal are considered, and some recommendations for patient counselling and management are discussed.