Sonographically demonstrated intra-amniotic hemorrhage following transplacental genetic amniocentesis. Frequency, sonographic appearance, and clinical significance.

Over a 9-month period, 11 transplacental amniocenteses were performed. Following completion of amniocentesis, intra-amniotic hemorrhage occurred in all 11 cases. Amniotic masses and intra-amniotic strands occurred in three cases as a result of intra-amniotic hemorrhage. The 11 pregnancies in which transplacental amniocentesis were performed were uncomplicated, and they resulted in normal infants. Transplacental amniocentesis can yield unusual sonographic appearances but does not appear to have an adverse effect on pregnancy outcome.