Chorionic villus sampling no riskier than amniocentesis
If your doctor has recommended that you have a chorionic villus sampling test - a test to check for genetic abnormalities in the fetus, the newest research may be of some comfort to you.
CVS is done as early as 10 weeks. It can be done through the abdomen, like an amniocentesis, or through the cervix. It is often recommended over amniocentesis because it can be done earlier, up to 4 weeks earlier (10 weeks versus 14 weeks). However, there was a long-standing concern that CVS carried with it an increased chance of miscarriage.
A new study, published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, has found that CVS did not increase the risk of miscarriage. The researchers looked at over 5000 women who had CVS and 4800 who didn’t. Those who had CVS had a miscarriage rate of 2.7% and those who didn’t have the procedure had a rate of 3.3% The researchers did point out, however, that some groups of women have a higher , such as African-American women.
How is CVS done?
CVS is a procedure that allows the doctor to remove a small piece of placenta tissue for examination. First, an abdominal ultrasound is done so the doctor can determine where the placenta and the baby are, as well as the gestational sac - the sac that surrounds the baby and holds the amniotic fluid.
If you are having the procedure through your cervix, the transcervical approach, the doctor will insert a small catheter (plastic tube) in through your cervix to reach the placenta. This is how the placenta tissue is removed.
If you are having the procedure through the abdomen, the transabdominal approach, the doctor will insert a needle through the abdomen and by using the ultrasound images, will guide the needle to the placenta to take a tissue sample.
Most often, you would be asked to return in 48 hours or so for a repeat ultrasound to double check that everything is ok.
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Tags: pregnancy blog, chorionic villus sampling, CVS for genetic testing, amniocentesis, placenta
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POSTED IN: Prenatal tests
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