There are several risks to amniocentesis, including (but not limited to) miscarriage, infection, needle injury, and RH sensitization. The rate of miscarriage due to amniocentesis is between 1 in 300 and 1 in 500. The other complications listed are relatively rare.

Fundal height (sometimes referred to as McDonald's rule) is measured in centimeters from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. The top of the uterus may also be called the fundus of the uterus. It is used to assess the growth and development of the fetus inside the womb. 

Alpha-fetoprotein is made by the fetus. Congenital abnormalities (fetal trisomy 18, fetal trisomy 21) are associated with low levels of this protein. Additionally, so is hydatidiform mole. Hydatidiform mole is the presence of an abnormal mass or growth inside the uterus. Based on a low result, the physician may want to conduct further testing. Preeclampsia is a dangerous medical condition characterized by high blood pressure. It is not associated with alpha-fetoprotein.

Fetal bradycardia is recognized when fetal heart rate drops below 110 beats per minute for 10 minutes or longer. The normal fetal heart rate is between 120 beats per minute and 160 beats per minute. Fetal tachycardia is a heart rate above 160 beats per minute. 

A separate test called a "type and screen" is needed to assess the blood type. Complete blood counts (CBC's) typically contain hemoglobin and hematocrit, platelet counts, white blood cell counts, and red blood cell counts among many other measures. They are among the most frequently ordered laboratory tests by providers. The physician will use this information to diagnose conditions such as anemia. 

An 82 beat per minute reading could be the mother's heart rate, indicating that the nurse does not have the doppler in the correct position. A normal fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute. The nurse must always remember to take the mother's pulse before assessing the fetal heart rate. Before calling the physician, it is important to determine that the data is accurate. To increase oxygen perfusion to the fetus, ask the mother to lay on her left side.

This is most likely the normal "bloody show" at the beginning of labor. There is no need to immediately arrive at the hospital, change position, or eat a bland diet. The patient should continue to monitor and call back or seek care when she experiences regular contractions that are becoming more intense and frequent.

Primary amenorrhea occurs when a female is fourteen years old and has not gotten her first period and has not developed secondary sex characteristics. Primary amenorrhea also occurs when a female sixteen or older has not gotten her first period but has developed secondary sex characteristics. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation not linked to a physiological disorder. Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation due to an underlying cause such as endometriosis. Oligomenorrhea refers to the absence of a period, typically for at least 35 days. 

Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation due to an underlying condition. Endometriosis, an example of a condition that frequently causes secondary dysmenorrhea, refers to the growth of uterine tissue in inappropriate places such as the ovary or rectum. High levels of prostaglandin are frequently found in women with primary dysmenorrhea which is painful menstruation without an underlying condition. Low levels of aldosterone would not likely cause painful menstruation. Turner syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that can frequently cause amenorrhea, or absence of a period.

Uterine conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Endometriosis is the inappropriate growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors within the uterus. Sexually transmitted infections can cause a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease which can result in scarring. Scarring of the reproductive system greatly increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Yeast infections are common after antibiotic therapy and are treated with an over-the-counter medication. They generally do not cause permanent damage to the body.