Important Facts About Chorionic Villus Sampling
What is it?
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test performed on women somewhere between weeks 11-13 of their pregnancy to identify various genetic disorders, including Down Syndrome.
Under what circumstances should the test be taken?
The test is generally offered to pregnant women who are age 35 and older, as this increases their chances of birthing a baby with chromosomal defects. It may also be offered if either the mother or father of the baby has a family history of genetic disorders, or if the results of a screening test performed in the first trimester of pregnancy cause some concern.
How is the test performed?
Initially, an ultrasound is performed to determine the position of the placenta. You may be asked to drink plenty of water about an hour prior to the test to ensure that your bladder is full. This just makes it easier to perform the test. The doctor will proceed by taking a tissue sample (looks like tiny finger-like projections on the placenta) either through the cervix (transcervical) or abdominal wall (transabdominal).
~ Transcervical CVS. If the placenta is in a favorable position, your health care provider may take the sample through your cervix. After cleansing your vagina and cervix with an antiseptic, he or she will open your vagina with a speculum and insert a thin, hollow tube (catheter) through your cervix. When the catheter reaches the placenta, gentle suction will be used to remove a small tissue sample. You may feel cramping during the procedure. **
~ Transabdominal CVS. If the placenta isn't clearly accessible through the cervix or you have a cervical infection, such as chlamydia or herpes, your health care provider may take the sample through a needle inserted into your uterus. After cleansing your abdomen with an antiseptic, he or she will insert a long, thin needle through your abdominal wall and into your uterus. The tissue sample from the placenta will be withdrawn into a syringe, and the needle will be removed.**
** Cited from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chorionic-villus-sampling/PR00145
What are the risks?
One may experience cramping, leakage of amniotic fluid, or vaginal spotting for about a day or two after the procedure. If the abdominal procedure was done, there may be some belly soreness. Chorionic Villus Sampling also increases the risk of having a miscarriage (approximately 1 in 400 women), developing a uterine infection, or having a baby with arm or leg abnormalities (especially if test is performed after 10th week of pregnancy). There is also a small chance that some of the baby's blood could enter the mother's bloodstream. If the mother has Rh negative blood and the baby has Rh positive blood, the mother will be given an Rh immune globulin vaccine (such as RhoGAM) to prevent Rh sensitization which could harm the baby. It is important to note that the risk of miscarriage is higher for those who have the transcervical CVS vs. the transabdominal CVS. Furthermore, there seems to be no real scientific consensus on the actual risk of miscarriage due to CVS.
What else should I consider?
> Generally speaking, there is a less than 1% chance of receiving a false-positive result. Medical professionals agree that the benefits of having this procedure done often outweigh the risks.
> If you have a vaginal infection (yeast or genital herpes), the abdominal procedure will be performed instead of the vaginal procedure.
> Normal results do not guarantee that your baby will be healthy, as the CVS test is unable to detect spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
> Speak with your doctor or genetic counselor to address all questions and concerns. This is a very personal and sensitive decision, and there is no 100% right or wrong way to go on this matter.
> Consider the decision you would make if it is determined that your baby does have a genetic disorder. In my humble opinion, every child conceived deserves the right to live unless the pregnancy is naturally terminated (i.e. miscarriage/spontaneous abortion or still birth).
Be sure to check my site often to get informed about other types of prenatal testing. God bless you!
Published by Natika Johnson
I am the blessed wife of one fabulous husband, and a stay-at-home mother to two beautiful daughters and one handsome son. I am a passionate and enthusiastic writer seeking to educate, encourage and motivate... View profile
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