What is the purpose of amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a prenatal procedure used primarily to sample the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. This fluid contains cells shed by the fetus, which can be analyzed for various genetic and developmental conditions. The primary purpose of this procedure is to obtain this fluid to conduct diagnostic tests that can reveal genetic abnormalities or chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis.

While other options touch on related topics—such as performing genetic testing and determining the sex of the fetus—the fundamental aspect of amniocentesis is the collection of amniotic fluid for testing. This fluid sampling provides the necessary material for comprehensive prenatal testing, making it a vital tool for assessing fetal health and development. Hence, option C aptly captures the key purpose of the procedure.