Abstract: Objective： To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cordocentesis guided by transabdominal ultrasound during pregnancy for prenatal diagnosis. Methods：The cordocenteses under transabdominal ultrasound guidance were performed in 158 cases with proper indications for fetal chromosome analysis at Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA during 2004 to 2012（21 cases of chromosomal anomaly of gravida or her husband，58 cases of hinting abnormal by ultrasound，38 cases of bad pregnancies history，41 cases of serology screening is positive of gravid）. The abnormal karyotypes rate，operational indications，complications and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. Results: The success rate of cordocentesis was 100%. There were 11 abnormal karyotypes in those 158 cases （6.96%） detected by cordocentesis. The difference in the abnormal karyotypes rate among four groups was not significant （χ2=7.377，P=0.061）. There were 97 cases with the blood leakage from placentas or umbilical cords （６１．４％），and 17 cases with transient fetal bradycardia （10.8%） after cordocentesis. There was not a preterm delivery，intrauterine infection or placental abruption. In those 11 cases treated by the induced labour，and 3 birth defects were diagnosed. Conclusions：Cordocentesis guided by transabdominal ultrasound is a useful，relatively safe and effective procedure for prenatal diagnosis. Birth defects can not be completely diagnosed by the cordocentesis and genetic analysis at present，so it is necessary to use ultrasonography as the further follow-up diagnosis for reducing the rate of birth defect.

Key words: Prenatal diagnosis, Ultrasonography, prenatal, Umbilical veins, Chromosome aberrations, Congenital abnormalities