Question:medium
In which one of the following situations is Amniocentesis NOT called for?
In which one of the following situations is Amniocentesis NOT called for?
Show Hint
Look for an actual raised risk marker in each option, a Rh negative status alone, with healthy prior children, does not by itself demand amniocentesis.
Updated On: Jul 7, 2026
- Mother's age is 35 years or more
- Parents who are known to have chromosomal translocation
- Raised alpha fetoprotein in amniotic fluid during an earlier pregnancy
- A Rh negative multipara mother aged 30 years with two live healthy boys
Show Solution
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept.
We need to spot the one scenario among four where amniocentesis is not actually needed.
Step 2: Key Approach.
Amniocentesis is done when there is a genuine, higher than average chance of a chromosomal problem or a structural defect in the baby, not simply based on a label like Rh negative blood group.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation.
Advanced maternal age, 35 years or older, raises the chance of chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome, so testing is justified there. Parents carrying a chromosomal translocation can pass on an unbalanced form to the baby, so checking the fetus makes sense. A past pregnancy with a raised alpha fetoprotein level in the amniotic fluid signals a higher chance of a repeat neural tube defect, so retesting in the next pregnancy is reasonable.
Now look at the multipara mother who is Rh negative, 30 years old, with two healthy living boys already. Nothing here points to antibody formation or a previously affected baby. Rh negative status alone, without sensitization, is managed with routine anti-D prophylaxis, not with amniocentesis.
Step 4: Final Answer.
The scenario where amniocentesis is not called for is the Rh negative multipara mother aged 30 years with two live healthy boys, since there is no evidence of Rh sensitization here.
We need to spot the one scenario among four where amniocentesis is not actually needed.
Step 2: Key Approach.
Amniocentesis is done when there is a genuine, higher than average chance of a chromosomal problem or a structural defect in the baby, not simply based on a label like Rh negative blood group.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation.
Advanced maternal age, 35 years or older, raises the chance of chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome, so testing is justified there. Parents carrying a chromosomal translocation can pass on an unbalanced form to the baby, so checking the fetus makes sense. A past pregnancy with a raised alpha fetoprotein level in the amniotic fluid signals a higher chance of a repeat neural tube defect, so retesting in the next pregnancy is reasonable.
Now look at the multipara mother who is Rh negative, 30 years old, with two healthy living boys already. Nothing here points to antibody formation or a previously affected baby. Rh negative status alone, without sensitization, is managed with routine anti-D prophylaxis, not with amniocentesis.
Step 4: Final Answer.
The scenario where amniocentesis is not called for is the Rh negative multipara mother aged 30 years with two live healthy boys, since there is no evidence of Rh sensitization here.
Was this answer helpful?
0
