During an amniocentesis, it may be discovered that the woman has Rh negative blood type. Rh factor is a substance found in red blood cells. Rh incompatibility occurs when a woman is Rh-negative and her fetus is Rh-positive (most people are Rh-positive), which can cause health problems for the fetus (e.g., fetal anemia).

As a result, women who have Rh-negative blood type are given a medicine called Rh(D) immune globulin after the test, which helps prevent these problems.

In some cases, information gleaned from an amniocentesis can lead to treatments to help the child prior to or just after delivery. For example, two life-threatening inherited disorders of body chemistry – biotin dependence and MMA (methylmalonic acidemia) – have been detected by amniocentesis and successfully treated in the womb.

Women who undergo amniocentesis may face complex decisions following the procedure. The woman and her partner may choose to terminate the pregnancy if abnormalities are present. This decision can have an emotional and psychological impact on all individuals involved. In addition, if the pregnancy continues, the parents must prepare and adjust to having a potentially handicapped child. Various support groups may help parents with choices related to amniocentesis.