Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that is given on a case-by-case basis. Here's how to determine if it's right for you. Amniocentesis, which is used to screen for chromosomal and genetic disorders, is usually conducted during weeks 16 to 20 of your pregnancy. The procedure is invasive and involves the insertion of a long, thin needle into your abdomen. The needle is used to obtain a small sample of your amniotic fluid. During the procedure, some women feel slight cramping or pinching, although others notice no symptoms at all. So why would you want to get an "amnio" done on your baby? Many women decide to get this procedure if they have had other tests which suggest that their baby may have abnormalities, including...Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, Down Syndrome, Turner's Syndrome, sickle cell disease, spina bifida and others. Other women get the test simply because they have a higher genetic or age risk for these abnormalities. Women who choose to have amniocentesis do so in hopes of receiving the peace of mind that the procedure can potentially offer them if their baby is fine. When the news is not good, the test results allow parents to make an informed decision about terminating the pregnancy, or at least provide the parents with time to prepare for the birth. Some women, however, have no desire to know whether their baby has an abnormality, since termination is not an option for them. Still others shy away from the procedure due to the risk involved-about one in 200 amniocentesis procedures results in a miscarriage. Because amniocentesis can be a controversial procedure, the decision to make it is totally up to you-and no choice is right or wrong.