You'll be asked to lie on an examining table. A doctor will insert a long, thin, hollow needle through your abdomnial wall and into the sac of amniotic fluid around your baby. You may opt to first numb the area with a local anesthetic, but many women decide they want a needle inserted once, not twice, and go without. An ultrasound is used to pinpoint a pocket of fluid located a safe distance from both the fetus and the placenta . This fluid contains the fetal cells, chemicals, and microorganisms that answer so many questions about the fetus.
Most women agree that the needle stings a bit going in.
If you've been advised to have a full bladder for a good ultrasound picture, you may also notice some discomfort when the technician pushes on it. But the feeling varies among women and even from one pregnancy to the next. Lindsey Meyersieck, a Piedmont, California, mother of two, got through her first amnio just fine, but was in tears the second time. I didn't remember it hurting that much. You're usually advised to take it easy for 24 hours as a precaution.