Understanding Amniocentesis at 35 Weeks: A Post-Loss Concern

Question
My daughter was stillborn last year at 35 weeks due to massive fetal maternal hemorrhage.  I am currently 27 weeks pregnant.  They are planning on inducing me at 37 weeks.  My OB mentioned today that they will want to get an amnio at 35 weeks to check the lung development of the baby because they will be inducing at 37 weeks.  I declined the first amnio they offered (because I am 35 yrs) because I don't want to take a chance on anything with the baby.  Although I understand their concern I am quite reluctant to get an amnio and take any risk.  My OB told me that doing an amnio at that point does not pose a risk of losing the baby - worse case would be that it could possibly put me into early labor.  I don't want to do anything that puts me at ANY risk of losing this baby.  37 weeks does not seem to early too me, baby's are born earlier than that all the time.  Besides a baby on a ventalater for a few days or weeks is better than a stillbirth.  I guess my question is - is there really no risk of losing this baby at that point due to an amnio?  Is this something that is usually recommended?  I don't want to make the wrong decision - I want as much information as possible.


Answer
If there is any doubt as to your due date or as to the maturity of the baby's lungs, an amniocentesis is recommended. It is usually performed under sonographic control and the baby is not injured. Only some amniotic fluid is removed and tested for lung maturity. However, if you are sure of your last period and have been followed from early pregnancy, and an early sonogram confirmed your due date, you probably can safely deliver at 37 weeks without problems. The decision is yours to make.