Amniocentesis causes complications for the mother in less than 1% of patients. Possible complications include amniotic fluid embolism, hemorrhage, infection, premature labor, abruptio placentae, placenta or umbilical cord trauma, bladder or intestinal puncture, and Rh isoimmunization.

Fetal complications also are rare. They include intrauterine fetal death, amnionitis, injury from needle puncture, amniotic fluid leakage, bleeding, spontaneous abortion, and premature birth.