Fetal Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluids in the fetal abdomen. Fetal Ascites results in excessive pressure on the various fetal organs causing different levels of developmental impairment.

The excessive pressure caused by fetal ascites is relieved through a procedure called fetal ascitic fluid drainage. In this procedure a needle is inserted trans-abdominally to the location of fetal ascites and the excess fluid is drained out. The fluid is then analysed in the lab to determine the underlying cause for this condition.

This procedure takes about 20 min to 30 min.