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Had 2 amnios, at 38 and at 40 - nothing that I would not do again. When the needle is inserted, close your eyes if scared - it feels not that painful at all. The main thing take it easy for the rest of the day. The first time, I went shopping after the procedure, and had miuld pains in the evening that went away over the night. It wasn't cramping, just uncomfortable feeling. The second time I took it easy, and had no reactions. Also, take everything you find on the net with a grain of salt. There are more people unhappy with the procedure for some reason, than people happy with that - because they moved on with their lives already. There is nothing more relieving than knowing for the next 5-6 months that your baby is fine and the gender, if you choose.

I had an amnio in November and it was such a non-event. I've heard horror stories about them since I was in high school and really dreaded it but nothing I heard was even remotely true. The biggest misnomer I heard was that they go through your belly button. So not true! They insert the needle in your lower abdomen and it feels no different than having your blood taken. I think a PAP is more uncomfortable than the amnio. My amnio was performed by a very good doctor, who has been doing these for 20+ yrs. He is semi-retired and only comes in 2 days per week just to do the amnio's for my provider. He was very caring, explained the procedure well, and really put us at ease. I chose not to watch the needle go in just for my own comfort level, but my dh watched the procedure on the u/s and though it was pretty cool. The entire process took less than 1 minute. Other than the slight pin-prick feeling, I didn't even know he had started, let alone finished. Afterwards I told my dr that I'd been stressed about the procedure for nothing. He said that all his patients say that. Afterwards I went home, layed on the couch and watched Oprah and Ellen without any guilt that I should be doing something. It was like a one day vacation. The phone call two weeks later telling me everything was OK was very reassuring. I finally felt like I could enjoy my pregnancy and the upcoming arrival of my child without the worry that he could have chromosomal problems. Plus it was good to know that I was 100% having a boy as our U/S wasn't clear on the gender.

I had an amnio on Dec.8th..... The actual procedure was minimum pain--felt comparable to drawing blood. The mild "cramping" they call it afterwards was not what I expected. I gues I was expecting more like menstral cramps---NOT. I took 2 tylenol and took to bed for the 24 hours they recommended. There was NO extreme pain whatsoever. I was totally terrified too and it turned out to be NOT A BIG DEAL. And the bright side is.... I was able to stop being paranoid after 20 weeks of being pregnant!! DON'T WORRY Happy Me..... you'll be fine!!

I had an amnio back in Sept and it was not really painful except for the initial pinprick of the needle. The rhogam shot (I am rh negative) I got right after the amnio hurt much more! The anxiety I had leading up to it was far worse. I chose to watch on the US, because I am a control freak I guess and I almost broke my DH knuckles squeezing his hand. Having someone with me was a comfort for the nerves part. I had it done on a Wednesday and took off work the rest of the week. I had a bit of spotting on that Saturday (no biggie at all) but no cramping whatsoever. Just take it very easy for a couple of days, as much as you can. Order food delivered and relax. It was very comforting to hear a week or so later that my little boy is healthy.I'm sure you'll be okay, just another test for us mothers of AMA, my least favorite acronym, LOL.

I had an amnio almost a week ago. I was totally stressed out about it but it turns out there was little reason for that. It was really a quick procedure and other than an initial pinprick when the needle went in, I only felt some pressure as the doctor poked through to get at the fluid. It hurt me more than blookwork (which doesn't hurt) but not much more. My fear was greater than any pain by far. I had some very mild cramps after and spent the next 2 days on the couch watching TV. You need to relax and take it easy after an amnio for at least 24 hours. I know it's scary before you go in but it really wasn't all that bad.