Thoracenteses (Fetal Chest Fluid Drainage)

Testing fetal chest fluid, which is done through a test called thoracentesis, can tell your fetal care specialist what condition or difficulty your baby may be experiencing. The procedure involves needle aspiration of excess fluid from the fetal chest under ultrasound guidance. The needle is inserted into the space between the lungs and the chest wall to remove fluid and help your baby breathe more easily. It may also be used to assess the character of fluid in the chest.