Amniocentesis for Fetal Lung Maturity: Understanding the Procedure & Risks

Question
I have been advised to have amniocentesis for fetal lung maturity testing done during week 36, with the intent of a scheduled c-section the following week pending the results.  The reason being that during an ultrasound they found substatanial vascular presence between the baby and the cervix and have concern for significant hemoraging. I am also 39 years of age with insulin controlled gestational diabetes.  Based on my research there is debate over the reliablity and risk of the amnio and pre-term c-section.  Would you please share your oppinion on this matter.

Answer
Dear Marcia

Whenever there is a need to hasten lung maturity, we use a course of corticosteroids for 48 hours and then induce delivery as long as there is no contraindication for corticosteroids. Amnicentesis by itself carries the risk of inducing labor and at 36 weeks, there is a lot of debate for its use.

The real question is what the decision will be if amniocentesis showed that the lungs are not mature?? give corticosteroids??.. why then not to give it from the start if no contraindication exist.

Best of Luck